After the June Storms: How Montgomery County Homeowners Can Spot a Hazardous Tree Before It Falls

The severe storms that swept through Montgomery County in June were a sobering reminder of how dangerous trees can become when high winds and heavy rain hit at the same time. On the night of June 11, fast-moving thunderstorms brought down dozens of trees and power lines across the county, knocked out power to thousands of homes, and tragically claimed the life of a woman on the Matthew Henson Trail in Aspen Hill when a tree fell on her during the storm.

One detail from that night stood out to us as local arborists. Officials reported that the tree that fell was considered structurally sound before the storm. It came down because of extreme wind combined with soil that was already saturated from heavy rain. In other words, a tree that looked perfectly healthy still failed under the right conditions.

Storms like these are not rare here. Just days later, downed trees and wires shut down River Road in the Potomac and Travilah area. If you own a home in Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring, Kensington, or anywhere in Montgomery County, the trees on your property deserve a closer look, especially heading into the rest of storm season. Here is what to watch for and when to bring in a professional.

Why Saturated Soil Makes Trees More Dangerous

Most people assume that a tree only falls if it is already dead or visibly damaged. That is not always the case. When the ground is soaked from days of rain, the soil loses its grip on the root system. A tree that has stood firmly for decades can suddenly tip over, roots and all, when strong winds push against a full canopy anchored in soft, waterlogged ground.

This is exactly the combination Montgomery County saw in June: saturated soil plus sudden, powerful wind gusts. It is why the weeks during and after a wet stretch are some of the riskiest of the year, and why a tree that seemed fine last month is worth re-checking now.

Warning Signs of a Hazardous Tree

You do not need to be an arborist to catch many of the early warning signs. Walk your property after a storm and look closely at each large tree. Here are the red flags that should get your attention.

A new or worsening lean

Most trees have a natural shape, but a tree that has recently started leaning, or one that is leaning more than it used to, is a serious concern. Look for fresh soil heaving or cracking on the ground near the base on the side opposite the lean. That can mean the roots are starting to lift.

Cracks or splits in the trunk

Deep vertical cracks, seams, or splits in the main trunk weaken the entire structure of the tree. A trunk that has split where two large stems meet is especially prone to failing in high wind.

Dead branches and missing bark

Large dead limbs, branches with no leaves during the growing season, or patches where the bark has fallen away all point to a tree in decline. Dead limbs can drop without warning, even on a calm day.

Root and base problems

Check around the base of the tree for mushrooms or fungus growing on the roots or trunk, hollow or soft spots, and exposed or damaged roots. Problems at the base are some of the most dangerous because they affect the tree's ability to stay standing.

Storm damage from the last round of weather

After a storm, look for hanging or broken limbs caught in the canopy, fresh wounds where branches tore away, and any limbs resting on your roof, power lines, or fence. These need prompt attention before the next storm finishes the job.

What to Do If You Spot a Problem

If you notice any of these warning signs, here is how to handle it safely.

• Keep your distance. Do not park, play, or set up near a tree you are worried about, especially during or right after a storm.
• Stay far away from any tree touching a power line and treat every downed line as live. Call your utility, not a tree crew, for lines that are down.
• Do not try to remove large limbs or a leaning tree yourself. Storm-damaged trees are under tension and can shift suddenly and violently.
• Have it inspected by a professional who can tell you whether the tree can be saved with pruning or cabling, or whether it needs to come down.

When to Call a Licensed Tree Expert

In Maryland, this is not just good advice, it is the law. Anyone who performs tree care for hire on trees taller than twenty feet must be a Licensed Tree Expert, licensed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. That licensing exists because large tree work is genuinely dangerous and requires training, the right equipment, and proper insurance.

A qualified professional can assess the real condition of a tree, not just the parts you can see from the ground, and recommend the safest course of action. Sometimes that is targeted pruning to reduce weight and wind resistance. Sometimes it is cabling to support a weak union. And sometimes, when a tree poses a clear danger to people or your home, the right answer is safe removal.

For large, heavy, or hard-to-reach trees, especially those leaning over a house, removal often calls for crane-assisted equipment so the tree can be taken down piece by piece without dropping weight on the structure below.

Do Not Wait for the Next Storm

The hardest part about hazardous trees is that they often look fine until the day they fail. The June storms showed that even a structurally sound tree can come down under the wrong conditions. The best protection is to identify and address weak or damaged trees before the next round of severe weather, not after.

Rock Creek Tree, Turf & Landscape provides hazardous tree inspections, pruning, and safe tree removal throughout Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Silver Spring, Kensington, Chevy Chase, and the surrounding Montgomery County communities. We are licensed, insured, and equipped with crane service and a 24/7 emergency crew for storm damage. If a tree on your property has you concerned, reach out for a free, no-pressure assessment before it becomes an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a tree is going to fall?

Watch for a new or worsening lean, cracks or splits in the trunk, large dead limbs, fungus or hollow spots at the base, and soil heaving or cracking near the roots. Any of these signs means the tree should be inspected by a professional. Keep in mind that even healthy-looking trees can fall in high wind when the soil is saturated, so caution during storm season is always wise.

Why do healthy trees fall during storms in Montgomery County?

When the ground is soaked from heavy rain, the soil can no longer hold the root system firmly. Strong wind gusts pushing on a full canopy can then tip the entire tree over, roots and all, even if the tree itself is structurally sound. This is the combination that brought down many trees across the county during the June storms.

Is a leaning tree always dangerous?

Not always. Some trees grow at an angle naturally and are perfectly stable. The concern is a tree that has recently started leaning or is leaning more than before, especially if you see cracked or heaving soil at the base. A new lean after a storm should be inspected promptly.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Montgomery County?

It depends on where the tree is. A tree fully on your private property, away from the public road right-of-way and not part of a protected forest stand, usually does not require a state permit. Street trees and trees in the public right-of-way are covered by both county and state roadside tree laws and typically require permits, with a replacement required if removed. When a Licensed Tree Expert determines a tree is hazardous, the immediate hazard can be removed right away to protect people and property. We can help you understand what applies to your specific situation.

What should I do with a tree that was damaged in the recent storms?

Stay away from it, especially if it is near a power line or resting on a structure, and treat any downed wires as live. Do not attempt to cut large damaged limbs yourself, since storm-damaged wood is under tension and can move unpredictably. Have a licensed professional inspect it as soon as possible so it can be made safe before the next storm.

Do you offer emergency tree removal after storms?

Yes. Rock Creek Tree, Turf & Landscape provides 24/7 emergency tree service throughout Montgomery County for storm damage, fallen trees, and hazardous limbs. If a tree is threatening your home or property, our crew can respond quickly to make the area safe.