What to Do After Storm Damage to a Tree

First, check for immediate danger

Before inspecting the tree, check whether there is an immediate risk to people, buildings, vehicles, roads, or powerlines. Call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies. Call VICSES on 132 500 for storm emergency assistance.

Do not touch a fallen tree, branch, fence, vehicle, or water near a fallen powerline. Stay at least 8 metres away from fallen powerlines.

Take photos before cleanup if it is safe

If the site is safe, take photos before removing branches or cleaning up. Useful photos include:

• the whole tree
• the damaged limb or trunk
• cracks, splits, decay, wounds, or hanging branches
• the base of the tree and visible roots
• damage to fences, roofs, cars, driveways, pipes, or buildings
• the tree's location on the property
• any nearby powerlines or public areas

Do not put yourself at risk to take photos.

Do not assume the whole tree needs removal

Depending on the damage, a tree may need deadwood removal, broken limb pruning, weight reduction pruning, canopy balancing, risk assessment, monitoring, or full removal. A qualified arborist can assess whether the tree is still structurally sound.

If you are unsure, book a tree health and safety assessment.

Look for signs the tree may be unsafe

After a storm, warning signs include:

• a fresh lean
• soil lifting around the roots
• large broken limbs or hanging branches
• trunk cracks, split unions, or exposed decay
• fungal growth near the base
• movement in the root plate
• branches resting on a roof, fence, or powerline

Some defects are not obvious from the ground. A tree can look mostly intact but still have structural damage.

Check whether the tree is protected

Before removing or heavily pruning a tree, check whether it is protected by local council tree controls, a planning overlay, a significant tree register, native vegetation controls, permit conditions from a previous development, or body corporate rules.

Check planning controls using VicPlan. If the tree is protected and there is no immediate danger, you may need a permit or arborist report before removal. Learn more about tree removal permit reports.

What if the tree is an immediate hazard?

Some councils allow urgent work to make a tree safe after storm damage, but may still expect evidence. Glen Eira Council says a permit is not required to make a hazard safe but recommends keeping detailed evidence such as photos and an arborist statement. Bayside Council notes that only the part presenting the immediate threat can be removed under the exemption.

Do not assume emergency removal means unlimited removal. Remove only what is necessary to make the site safe.

Native vegetation and storm damage

Victoria has exemptions for some urgent situations where vegetation presents an immediate risk, but exemptions are limited and should not be treated as permission for unnecessary clearing.

If native vegetation is involved, get advice before removing more than the minimum required to manage the immediate risk.

What if the tree is on council land?

If the tree is on a nature strip, road reserve, park, or public land, do not arrange private removal. Report the issue to the relevant council instead.

For other councils, search your council's website for "report a tree issue" or "storm damaged tree".

What to send an arborist

To get useful advice quickly, send:

• your property address
• photos of the whole tree and close-ups of the damage
• photos of any property damage
• the council name
• whether the tree is on private land, nature strip, or neighbouring land
• whether powerlines are nearby
• whether anyone has already removed branches
• any council letter, permit condition, or previous arborist report

This helps the arborist work out whether you need a safety assessment, pruning report, removal report, or urgent site inspection.

Will insurance need an arborist report?

Sometimes. For storm damage claims, an insurer may ask for evidence of what caused the damage, whether the tree failed suddenly, whether it was already defective, whether removal or pruning was necessary, and the tree condition before or after the storm. An independent arborist report can help document the damage, especially where there is property damage or a dispute.

Do you need a pruning or removal permit after storm damage?

You may need a permit if:

• the tree is protected
• the tree is not an immediate hazard
• more work is needed after the urgent hazard is made safe
• the tree is native vegetation
• the tree is listed as significant or affected by a planning overlay
• council asks for supporting evidence

If the tree can be retained but needs branch work, see tree pruning permit reports. If the tree is unsafe or unsuitable to retain, see tree removal permit reports.

Council pruning thresholds and urgent hazard exemptions vary. Pruning more than a council threshold, working on a significant tree, or doing further work after the immediate hazard is made safe may still require approval. Council requirements can change, and exemptions may apply. Always check the relevant council requirements for the property address before pruning, removing, or working near protected trees.

Simple checklist after storm damage

1. Stay away from the tree if there is danger.
2. Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
3. Call VICSES on 132 500 for storm emergency help.
4. Stay at least 8 metres away from fallen powerlines.
5. Take photos if safe.
6. Remove only what is necessary to make the area safe.
7. Check whether the tree is protected.
8. Contact council if the tree is on public land.
9. Contact an arborist if the tree may still be unstable.
10. Keep records for council or insurance.