Kansas City weather doesn’t mess around. One day it’s sunny and 75°, and the next, you’re watching tree limbs bend in 60 mph winds or coated in heavy ice. Between thunderstorms, lightning, and winter freezes, our region’s trees take a beating year-round — and sometimes, the damage is too severe to ignore.
If your tree looks cracked, split, or partially uprooted after a storm, it’s time to take action. High winds, ice, or lightning strikes can weaken trees beyond repair, making removal the safest (and smartest) choice for protecting your home and family.
At Cartwright Tree Care, we’ve seen it all — from uprooted oaks in Lee’s Summit to lightning-scorched maples in Overland Park and ice-snapped pines across Kansas City. After severe weather, our certified arborists are trained to assess damage quickly and recommend whether a tree can recover or if removal is the best option.
Storms can harm trees in more ways than one, and the signs aren’t always obvious. A tree that looks “mostly fine” after a storm may be internally cracked, unstable, or suffering from root damage that worsens over time.
Here are the most common types of storm damage we see across the Kansas City metro:
Broken or Hanging Limbs: Heavy winds and ice can snap large branches, creating safety hazards.
Split Trunks: Lightning or twisting winds often cause vertical cracks that destabilize the tree.
Uprooted Trees: Waterlogged soil or strong gusts can tear roots from the ground.
Lightning Strikes: Electricity can boil sap inside a tree, killing it instantly or slowly over months.
Canopy Loss: Stripped or torn branches can make a tree vulnerable to disease and pests.
If you notice any of these symptoms — especially leaning or cracking — don’t wait to see what happens next. Even one strong gust can send a damaged tree crashing down.
A tree compromised by a storm is unpredictable. It might look stable but have hidden internal decay or root separation. These weakened areas can cause sudden limb failures or total collapse, especially after another round of bad weather.
The biggest risk? Falling trees and limbs that strike roofs, fences, vehicles, or power lines — often costing thousands in repairs. That’s why prompt inspection and, if necessary, professional removal are crucial.
Not every storm-damaged tree needs to go. In some cases, careful pruning, cabling, or structural support can help stabilize a tree and promote recovery. However, when damage is extensive — like major trunk splitting or root failure — removal is the safest choice.
Our arborists at Cartwright Tree Care carefully evaluate each situation. We never recommend removal unless it’s truly necessary for safety or long-term health.
After severe weather, fast, safe service matters. Our team provides:
Emergency tree removals and storm cleanup
Hazard assessments and risk evaluations
Cabling and bracing for recoverable trees
Insurance documentation assistance
Whether you’re near Loose Park, Liberty, or Blue Springs, we have the experience and equipment to handle storm damage quickly and safely.
📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule a post-storm inspection or learn more about our Tree Removal Services. When storms cause visible damage, don’t wait — your tree (and your home) depend on quick action.