February 11, 2026
Strong storms are a regular part of life in Bartow. Heavy rain, high winds, and lightning can leave trees damaged or unstable with little warning. After a storm passes through Bartow, homeowners are often left wondering what is safe to handle and what requires professional help. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly can prevent further property damage and reduce safety risks.
Assess the Situation Safely
After any storm in Bartow, personal safety comes first. Damaged trees can be unpredictable, especially if branches are cracked or partially detached. We recommend inspecting your property from a safe distance before approaching any fallen or leaning trees.
Look for:
- Large limbs hanging but not fully detached.
- Trees leaning more than they did before the storm.
- Splits in the trunk or major branches.
- Uprooted root systems or lifted soil.
- Branches resting on roofs, fences, or vehicles.
If a tree is touching power lines, stay clear and contact your utility provider immediately.
Hidden Damage Is Common
Some storm damage is obvious, but other problems develop slowly. A tree may appear stable at first, only to decline weeks later due to internal stress or root injury. This is something we frequently see throughout Bartow and other parts of Polk County.
Signs of hidden damage include:
- Sudden leaf drop after the storm.
- Cracks that extend down the trunk.
- Soil shifting around the base of the tree.
- Branches that begin to sag days later.
- Fungal growth appearing near wounds.
A professional inspection helps identify risks that are not immediately visible.
When a Tree Can Be Saved
Not every storm damaged tree needs to be removed. In many cases, strategic pruning and corrective care can restore stability and health.
We evaluate:
- The amount of canopy lost.
- Whether the trunk structure remains sound.
- The condition of the root system.
- The overall health of the tree before the storm.
If a tree has strong structure and limited damage, corrective pruning may be enough to preserve it.
When Removal Is the Safer Option
There are situations where removal is the most responsible choice.
Removal may be necessary if:
- The trunk has split deeply.
- More than half the canopy has been destroyed.
- The root plate has lifted significantly.
- The tree is leaning toward a home or roadway.
We explain the reasoning clearly so Bartow homeowners can make informed decisions about their property.
Preparing for Future Storms in Bartow
Preventive care plays a major role in reducing storm damage. Routine pruning removes weak limbs and balances canopy weight. Regular inspections help identify decay or structural weaknesses before high winds expose them.
Planning ahead reduces the likelihood of emergency situations and costly repairs, especially in storm prone areas like Bartow.
Get Professional Storm Damage Support in Bartow
If your Polk County property has experienced storm damage and you need emergency tree service in Bartow, we can help assess the condition of your trees and recommend the safest course of action. Our ISA Certified Arborists® evaluate each tree carefully and focus on protecting both your property and your landscape.
Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a storm damage evaluation in Bartow, FL.









