Why It’s Important to Have an Arborist Evaluate Storm-Damaged Trees

Abundant Tree Care Services • December 16, 2025
Fallen tree blocking a residential street, with power lines. Overcast day.

After a major storm, it’s natural to survey your property and check on the condition of your trees. Strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, and saturated soil can cause significant damage that isn’t always obvious to the untrained eye. While some trees may appear stable, hidden structural problems can pose serious risks to your home and safety. Having a certified arborist evaluate storm-damaged trees is one of the most effective ways to promote long-term health and prevent dangerous situations. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists can thoroughly evaluate storm-damaged trees and determine the appropriate course of action. Here are four important reasons to call an arborist after severe weather.


The Damage Isn’t Always Easily Visible

Storm-damaged trees can suffer internal cracking, root separation, and compromised structural support that homeowners may not notice. Even when a tree looks relatively intact, the storm may have weakened it significantly. Arborists are trained to identify subtle signs of worrisome damage, such as trunk fissures, canopy imbalance, and root instability. Their expertise helps determine whether a tree can be saved or should be removed before it becomes more hazardous.


Falling Limbs and Unstable Trees Pose Safety Risks

One of the biggest dangers after a storm is the risk of falling branches or trees. A partially broken limb or a leaning trunk may collapse unexpectedly, especially during the next period of strong wind. These hazards can cause injuries, damage vehicles, or compromise the structure of your home. An arborist can assess the extent of the instability and recommend the safest solution.


Arborists Can Provide Emergency Care to Save Trees

Not all storm-damaged trees need to be removed. In many cases, quick professional intervention can help save a tree from long-term decline. Arborists can perform corrective pruning, treat wounds, and stabilize damaged areas to promote healthy recovery. Calling an arborist promptly increases the chances of saving valuable trees that enhance your landscape.


Proper Evaluation Helps Prevent Future Problems

A storm can create issues that may not become obvious until months later. Root damage, pest infiltration, or fungal infections often develop after a tree has been stressed. An arborist’s evaluation helps identify conditions that could lead to future decline or sudden failure. 


Arborist in De Soto, IL

For expert arborist services in De Soto, Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at 618-227-2881. Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!

Arborist trimming a tree branch high in a leafy grove using a safety harness and chainsaw

Tree Trimming vs. Tree Pruning: Understanding the Differences

By Abundant Tree Care Services • October 18, 2026
Tree trimming and tree pruning are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they can involve different goals and approaches to tree care. Both services involve selectively removing branches, yet the reasons for doing so may vary. Understanding the distinction can help you determine what type of professional tree care you need. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists provide expert tree trimming and pruning in the greater De Soto, IL area. Here’s a look into the differences between them. What Is Tree Trimming? Tree trimming generally focuses on managing a tree's size, shape, and appearance. It may involve removing overgrown branches that extend into walkways, structures, driveways, or other areas where they have intruded. Trimming can also help maintain a tree's desired shape and keep excessive growth from interfering with the surrounding landscape. What Is Tree Pruning? Tree pruning typically focuses more specifically on the health and structural condition of the tree. A professional may remove dead, diseased, damaged, crossing, and weakly attached branches. Pruning can also help address structural concerns and encourage healthier growth patterns. Because every cut can affect a tree's development, proper pruning requires an understanding of growth habits. When Is Trimming Appropriate? Trimming may be useful when a tree has become overgrown or is interfering with your property. Branches that are blocking views, rubbing against a structure, or growing into a frequently used area may need to be selectively reduced. Trimming can also help maintain a neat appearance in landscapes where trees need to remain within certain spaces. When Is Pruning More Appropriate? Pruning is often appropriate when a tree has deadwood, damaged limbs, disease concerns, or structural problems. It can also be beneficial for young trees that need guidance as they develop. Selective pruning can help reduce problematic growth while supporting the tree's long-term structure. An experienced arborist can determine which branches should be removed and which should remain. Professional Tree Pruning & Trimming in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto , Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!

The Benefits of Removing Tree Stumps From Your De Soto Property

By Abundant Tree Care Services • September 23, 2026
When a tree is removed from your property, the remaining stump can be easy to overlook. However, an old stump can continue to create problems long after the tree itself is gone. It can interfere with landscaping, attract pests, become a tripping hazard, and make your yard more difficult to maintain. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists provide expert stump grinding and removal in the greater De Soto, IL area. Here are four benefits of removing tree stumps. Improve Your Property's Appearance An old tree stump can make an otherwise attractive yard look neglected. Stumps may become discolored, cracked, or surrounded by weeds as they deteriorate. Removing them creates a cleaner appearance and gives you a blank area that can be incorporated into your landscaping plans. Whether you want to plant new grass or install a flower bed, eliminating the stump provides greater flexibility. Eliminate Tripping Hazards Stumps can create safety concerns, especially in areas where people regularly walk or children play. A partially buried or deteriorating stump may be difficult to see, particularly when covered by grass or weeds. Someone could trip over it and suffer an injury. Removing the stump eliminates this potential hazard. Discourage Pests Decaying wood can provide shelter and food for various insects and other pests. An aging stump may attract ants, termites, and other organisms that feed on or inhabit deteriorating wood. While removing a stump doesn't guarantee that pests will never visit your property, eliminating a potential source of shelter and food can help make the area less attractive to certain pests. Make Lawn Maintenance Easier Mowing and maintaining a lawn around an existing stump can be frustrating. You may need to carefully maneuver around it or trim grass and weeds by hand. Removing the obstacle makes mowing, edging, and other routine yard work simpler. Stump Grinding & Removal in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto, Carbondale, and Southern Illinois , contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an estimate for tree services in greater De Soto, IL !