Storm Damage in Grand Bend? Is Your Tree Safe or Hazardous?

If a tree falls on your home, leans dangerously, or tangles in power lines, do not move it yourself.

In Grand Bend and Exeter, intense lake-effect storms create unpredictable tension in wood fibers. Cutting a storm-damaged tree without the right training often turns a cleanup job into a medical emergency.

But what about the damage you can't see?

Below is a guide to spotting hidden hazards on your property and knowing exactly when to call a local expert.

1. How to Spot "Hidden" Storm Damage

High winds off Lake Huron often cause structural failures that untrained eyes miss. After a severe storm in Lambton Shores, inspect your trees for these three "silent killers":

• "Widowmakers" (Hangers): These broken branches detach from the main stem but get caught loosely in the canopy. They often fall silently days or weeks later.

• Root Heave: Check the base of the tree. If the soil cracks or lifts (mounds) on one side, the roots have failed. The tree is unstable and could topple with the next gust.

• Twisted Trunks: Tornado-force winds can twist trunk fibers. If you see vertical cracks spiraling down the bark, the tree has lost its structural integrity.

2. When to Call a Professional in Grand Bend

Call a professional whenever the damage involves tension or targets. A tree leaning on a fence, car, or house acts like a loaded spring; one wrong cut can cause the wood to snap back with lethal force.

Important Safety Rule: Stay at least 10 meters back if a tree touches a power line. Contact Hydro One or your local utility provider immediately. Never approach the tree yourself.

For hazardous removals away from utility lines, Out on a Limb Tree Experts is your local specialist. We serve Grand Bend, Exeter, and Dashwood with the heavy equipment—including bucket trucks and industrial chippers needed to dismantle unstable trees safely.

• Need an emergency assessment? Call us immediately at 519-719-3607.

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3. Current Storm Cleanup Costs in Grand Bend

Emergency storm work carries higher risks than standard tree removal. In the Grand Bend and Huron Park area, pricing reflects this urgency:

• Simple Debris Cleanup: $200 - $500

• Hazardous Limb Removal (Climbing/Bucket): $400 - $900

• Emergency Tree Removal (Off structures): $1,200 - $2,500+

Pro Tip: Many comprehensive home insurance policies cover tree removal if the tree damages a structure. We provide the detailed Arborist Reports required to support your insurance claim.

Don't risk injury on an unstable tree. Visit our Storm Damage Services page to request a safety inspection today.

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