Storm resources

by Stephanie Robinson

January 13, 2023

image of a large tree that has fallen over onto a house due to the storm. Exposed roots at the base of the tree has torn up the concrete sidewalk.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation is heavy-hearted after storms over the last few weeks have caused havoc for so many people and for our urban forest. We are hearing so much sadness from our community over losing landmark trees that defined neighborhoods or held the memories of many generations. Our hearts go out to everyone who lost a beloved tree, struggled without power, or faced damage to property, and we grieve for the two people who tragically lost their lives after sustaining injuries from falling trees.

Although we depend on these trees to make our communities more resilient in the face of extreme heat and flooding, rare and severe wind events like this can be devastating. Clean-up is currently underway as we prepare for more rain to come in the next few days, but here are some reasons for the severity of the damage and resources for tree-related emergencies.  

Why damage from this storm was so severe

The damage caused by these storms left many wondering why this year was so much worse than previous winters. With extended heavy rainfall and gusts over 70mph, these storms themselves were much more severe than in years past, but there are some other factors that also help us understand why the damage was so extreme. From drought conditions to wind direction, there are many different factors that contributed to the number of downed trees seen throughout the region. 

Saturated soil after drought – extended drought caused roots to die back, and trees watered exclusively by lawn sprinklers have shallower root systems. Many downed trees, like those seen in Land Park, have only had sprinkler watering their whole lives. Saturated soil and hurricane-force winds caused many trees to topple because soggy soil could no longer anchor the trees’ roots.  

Wind direction – north winds on New Year’s Eve came from a different direction than the south winds that are more common in our region. Trees develop reaction wood on their exposed sides to fortify themselves against prevailing winds, but when the wind came from the opposite direction on NYE, they were exposed to violent gusts of wind on their vulnerable north sides. Since then, prevailing winds have returned.   

Tree type – although many types of trees were affected, evergreens were especially hard hit since their wet foliage is very heavy, and full evergreen canopies act as top-heavy sails catching the wind. This explains why we’ve seen many fallen eucalyptus, cedars, redwoods, pines, evergreen oaks, Italian cypress and acacias.  

Previous injuries – many of the trees that fell had large areas of decayed wood from previous injuries. These injuries can be caused by large or improper pruning wounds, damage to the trunk from vehicles or mowing equipment, or previous limb failures.  

Healthy trees with robust root systems are best able to weather these storms, but in such extreme conditions, even healthy well-maintained trees may suffer damage.  

Ground lifting at the base of a tree about to fall
Stay safe
  • If you spot a hanging limb or ground that is lifting on one side of a tree trunk, stay away
  • As much as possible, avoid spending time or parking under trees during and in the days following storms
  • Do not approach or touch trees near downed power lines—the tree and ground around it could be energized
Signs to watch out for
  • Soil lifting up around the base of the tree
  • Tree beginning to lean when it wasn’t leaning before 
  •  Cracking or groaning sounds 
  •  Broken or hanging large branches 
  •  Loose or dangling hardware in trees that have been cabled 
What to do if:
Image of fallen tree on power line caused by 2023 winter storm

A power line is down or sparking – call 911 and then report it to SMUD at 888-456-7683 

A tree or branch fell on a power pole or line but the line is still up and not sparking – call SMUD at 866-473-9582 

A fallen tree or branch is blocking a public road, alley, sidewalk, or other right-of-way (from both public and private trees) – call 311 for emergencies; submit an online request to 311 for less urgent issues. If it was a private tree, the municipality will clear the right-of-way, but the property owner is responsible for any other tree work and hauling of debris.

A public tree fell on private property or a vehicle – call 311 for emergencies; submit an online request to 311 for less urgent issues 

A private tree fell on private property – call a licensed and insured tree care or clean-up service. Landscapers, clean-up crews, and restoration services may be able to remove fallen debris, but only hire a certified arborist to remove or prune a living tree.

Wait times for all services may be extended immediately following large storms as all local agencies and private companies are actively responding to many urgent requests throughout the region. We are so grateful to all of the first responders, utility workers, tree crews, helpful neighbors, and our region’s mutual aid network who are working around the clock to clear debris, restore power, and make our neighborhoods safe.