If you live in Kalamazoo, chances are you've been rattled by the intense storms that hit in May 2025. You’re not alone. Reports of downed trees, blocked roads, and power outages are pouring in from across the region. In fact, some neighborhoods near Milwood and Westwood saw wind gusts strong enough to split trees in half. Now that the worst has passed, it’s time to clean up—but safely. That tree leaning on your fence? It’s more dangerous than it looks. Here’s what to do (and what NOT to do) when dealing with storm-damaged trees in Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Weather Alert: Urgent Tree Removal Tips After the Storm

"The wind was howling at 60+ mph and the next thing I knew—my oak tree was sprawled across the driveway."

If you live in Kalamazoo, chances are you've been rattled by the intense storms that hit in May 2025. You’re not alone. Reports of downed trees, blocked roads, and power outages are pouring in from across the region. In fact, some neighborhoods near Milwood and Westwood saw wind gusts strong enough to split trees in half.

Now that the worst has passed, it’s time to clean up—but safely. That tree leaning on your fence? It’s more dangerous than it looks. Here’s what to do (and what NOT to do) when dealing with storm-damaged trees in Kalamazoo.

1. Check for Immediate Hazards First

Before anything else, scan your property. Look for:

• Trees touching power lines

• Hanging or cracked limbs

• Uprooted trunks near structures

• Branches tangled in roofs or gutters

What to do: Stay clear of anything that looks unstable. Do not try to move large limbs or cut branches hanging near power lines. That’s a job for pros.

Pro Tip: Call your utility company immediately if a tree is touching electrical lines. Then contact an emergency tree service to assess the rest.

2. Document the Damage

Grab your phone and snap photos. Lots of them. Insurance companies will want proof, especially if there’s structural damage to your home, garage, or fence.

• Take wide shots and close-ups

• Include timestamps if possible

• Record video if limbs are shifting in the wind

This step takes just a few minutes—and could save you hours of paperwork later.

3. Don’t Try to DIY the Dangerous Stuff

Look, we get it. Chainsaws are tempting. But unless you're trained in storm-damaged tree removal, this is not the time to experiment. Tree removal after a storm is unpredictable. Internal stress points can cause limbs to snap back or fall without warning.

Call a certified tree service with experience handling emergency removals. Bonus points if they’re local to Kalamazoo—they’ll understand our specific weather patterns and common tree species.

4. Prioritize What Needs to Go Now

Not every damaged tree has to be removed immediately. Some can be pruned or monitored over time. Here’s how to triage:

Needs urgent removal:

• Uprooted or split trunks

• Large limbs on rooftops or vehicles

• Trees that shifted toward structures

Can wait (but shouldn’t be ignored):

• Hanging limbs not near foot traffic

• Broken branches in healthy trees

• Leaning trees that didn’t move after the storm

Still not sure? A quick consultation with an arborist can clarify your next steps.

5. Watch for Delayed Damage

Even if your trees look okay today, internal cracks or root damage might not show for weeks. Especially after strong winds and saturated soil.

Schedule a follow-up inspection within a month of the storm to catch anything you missed. This is especially important for large trees near your home or in high-traffic areas.

6. Work With a Local, Licensed Tree Company

After a big storm, out-of-town companies often flood in looking for work. Some are great. Others? Not so much.

Here’s what to look for:

• Fully licensed and insured

• 24/7 emergency service availability

• Local references in Kalamazoo

• Transparent pricing

Ask questions. A reputable company will be happy to walk you through their process and provide a written estimate.

Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Act Smart

The May 2025 storm left a mess, no doubt. But with the right steps—and the right help—you can recover safely and avoid long-term damage.

If you’ve got trees down in Kalamazoo, or you're unsure whether that limb hanging over your roof is stable, don’t wait. Emergency tree service is about prevention, not just cleanup.

Need help fast? Call a trusted local pro and get back to feeling safe on your property.

Need Emergency Tree Removal in Kalamazoo, MI? We’re available 24/7 for storm-related tree damage. Call now to speak with a real person who can dispatch help fast.