| Branches are the portion of the tree most likely to be damaged by a storm. Because the branches spread so widely from the trunk of the tree, they receive the majority of the force from winds during tornadoes, high winds and hurricanes, and the weight of ice build-up in ice storms. Tremendous stress is placed on tree branches from these forces, and the branches will tend to break, twist or crack. The damage usually occurs at weak locations on a branch or where branches fork from each other or the trunk.
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Common damage:
Broken branches
Twisted branches
Cracked branches
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Substantial branch damage to elm and oak trees from winds and blowing debris. F5 tornado in Oklahoma
May 3, 1999.
Courtesy of The Tree Bank Foundation
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Twisted and cracked branches can be difficult to see.
- Focus on branches that are large or close to the ground because they will cause the most damage to people and structures if they fall.
- Look at all sides of the branches.
- Check for torn or twisted bark, oddly angled sections of branches or visible wood.
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Twisted branch from the weight of ice accumulation on a small branch
Ardmore, OK December, 2000
© Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
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On May 3, 1999 one of the strongest storms ever on record (F-5 tornado) ripped a corridor through central Oklahoma, tearing homes completely off their foundations and wreaking havoc on trees throughout its path.
Oklahoma May 3, 1999
Courtesy of The Tree Bank Foundation
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Storms that damage branches
These are links to general information about each storm.
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How damaged branches weaken a tree:
 Break in bark's protective layer
Opening for insects and diseases to
enter the tree
Number of leaves for photosynthesis
is lessened
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Last Updated:
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