A broken limb after a storm isn't always just storm damage. Spartan Tree Service & Landscaping often finds that a storm exposed decay that was already present inside a mature oak, especially on properties around Winston-Salem and Burlington.
Fresh storm breaks typically show clean, sharp wood at the break point. Decay-related failures look different: soft or crumbly interior wood, discoloration, or signs of old wounds and fungal growth near where the limb snapped.
The distinction matters for what comes next. A storm-broken limb might only need a clean pruning cut, while a tree showing internal decay may need a fuller assessment of the canopy before it's safe to leave standing as is.
If a storm recently brought down a limb on your property, it's worth having someone check whether the rest of the tree is sound.
#TreeHealth #StormDamage #PiedmontTriad #Arborist #WinstonSalem
Close-up job photo of a downed limb showing decayed or discolored wood at the break point, useful for illustrating the difference from a clean storm break.
Canva text suggestion: "Storm Damage or Something Older?" or "Know What Broke and Why"