February 4, 2026

After last month’s winter storm, many homeowners across Nashville and Forest Hills stepped outside and realized their yard did not look the same. Broken limbs, leaning trees, and scattered debris have been common, especially in neighborhoods with mature trees and established landscapes.
If you are unsure what needs attention right now, you are not alone. These are the five questions we have heard most often from our customers over the last week.
In most cases, waiting is not a good idea.
Trees that were damaged during a winter storm can continue to fail after the weather clears. Cracked branches may fall days later, and trees that shifted during ice or wind can weaken further with rain or additional wind.
If you notice limbs hanging over your roof, driveway, or walkways, or a tree that appears to be leaning, it is best to address it sooner. Prompt tree cleanup helps reduce safety risks and protects your home, lawn, and irrigation system from additional damage.
For many homeowners, yes.
Winter storms often reveal problems that were already present but not obvious. Weak root systems, internal decay, or old storm damage can become clear once a tree is stressed by ice and snow. In Forest Hills and similar Nashville neighborhoods, large trees are often close to homes, which makes proactive decisions even more important.
Removing a high risk tree now can help prevent emergency situations when spring storms arrive.
That depends on how severe the damage is.
Some trees recover well when the damage is limited to smaller limbs and the trunk and roots remain solid. Others struggle to survive, especially if the trunk is split, major limbs were torn away, or the tree is leaning after the storm.
Our goal is always to preserve healthy trees when it is safe to do so. When a tree becomes a long term safety concern, removal is often the best option.
Yes, but it depends on the situation, and you should expect it to be more expensive right now.
After a widespread storm, dump sites often have long lines and limited availability. Hauling and disposal can take significantly more time, which increases labor and transportation costs.
If you have the space, it can save money to stack debris neatly on your property and wait for county or municipal pickup. Many local governments schedule storm debris collection once conditions stabilize, and this option is often the most cost effective for homeowners.
We help clients weigh the cost and timing so they can decide what makes the most sense for their property.
Sometimes, but it depends on your policy.
Many insurance plans cover tree removal when a fallen tree damages a structure such as a home, fence, or driveway. Cleanup for trees that fall without causing property damage is often limited.
If you are unsure, contact your insurance provider and ask specifically about winter storm tree damage. Take photos before cleanup begins, as documentation is usually required.
Storm damage can feel overwhelming, especially when it is not clear what is urgent and what can wait. Our team has been helping homeowners throughout Nashville, Belle Meade, Brentwood, Oak Hill, and Forest Hills evaluate tree damage, handle cleanup safely, and make practical decisions for their property.
If your yard was impacted by the storm, we are here to help you take the next step with clear guidance, and a licensed and insured team you can trust.