Safety first: after a windstorm, stay clear of damaged trees and downed lines. Treat every wire as live and call 911 and Xcel Energy.
Wind is the Panhandle’s signature, and it is hard on trees. On February 17, 2026, Xcel Energy reported gusts of up to 70 mph and extremely low humidity across the region. In March 2025, a major windstorm hit Amarillo, Canyon, Palisades and Wheeler. After a storm in the fall of 2026, the biggest damage Xcel saw was a tree on its lines in the Wolflin area. This guide explains how to check for wind damage and what to do about it.
Signs of wind damage
- Cracks or splits in the trunk, or where large branches join the trunk.
- Broken limbs still hanging in the crown.
- Soil heaved or cracked near the base, or roots lifted or torn.
- A lean that is new or worse than before.
- Bark torn off, or large fresh wounds.
- Branches that are twisted or have been ripped from the trunk, leaving torn stubs.
Damage you cannot see from the ground
A tree that stayed upright through a strong gust is not automatically sound. Wind can crack the union where two stems meet, tear roots under the soil and strain the trunk in ways that do not show until the next storm. That is why trees that come through a big wind event deserve a second look a few weeks later. Look for new dieback, hanging limbs and changes in lean.
Which trees fail first
- Fast-growing species with weak wood. Texas Tech’s plant resources describe Siberian elm as having weak wood, a short life and canopy dieback. See elm trees in Amarillo TX.
- Trees with tight V-shaped forks or included bark.
- Trees stressed by drought, root damage or old storm injury. See drought-stressed trees in Amarillo TX.
- Dead and dying trees. See dead or dying tree in Amarillo TX.
- Very large, overgrown trees with heavy limbs over a house.
What to do right now
- Keep people, pets and vehicles away from beneath damaged trees.
- Do not prop up, tie or cut a tree that looks unstable.
- Photograph the damage with a date, before anything moves.
- Look at where the tree would land if it fell. If that is a house or a line, treat it as urgent.
- Call a professional for a close look instead of waiting for the next storm.
Can a wind-damaged tree be saved?
Often, yes. Texas A&M Extension guidance on storm-damaged trees says wounds are not necessarily fatal and that trees recover well from storm damage, and that a professional arborist should assess large trees. A healthy tree with a few broken limbs can usually be saved by pruning out the damage cleanly. A tree with a split trunk, failed roots or a hollow in the main stem usually cannot. See tree trimming in Amarillo TX and tree removal in Amarillo TX.
Who to call
If a tree is on a house or blocking access, see emergency tree service in Amarillo TX. If a tree is touching a power line, call Xcel Energy and see trees near power lines in Amarillo TX. If a tree is damaged but standing and you are not sure, a hazardous tree assessment in Amarillo TX gives you a clear answer.
Prepare before the next wind
You cannot stop a 70 mph gust, but you can improve a tree’s odds. Remove dead wood, reduce the weight of long, heavy limbs and correct weak forks while the tree is young. Walk your trees with the tree check checklist for Amarillo TX homeowners each season and after every big wind. Replace brittle species over time with tougher ones.
Follow up a few weeks after the storm
Do a second walk two to four weeks after a big wind. Limbs that were cracked can drop later, and bark wounds can start to decay. Compare against the photos you took right after the storm, and note any new dieback or changes in lean. If a claim is possible, keep the dated photos and receipts together. See does homeowners insurance cover tree removal in Amarillo TX.
Common questions about wind and trees
Is it safe to leave a damaged tree for a few days?
It depends on what is under it. A tree over a house, driveway or line should be looked at promptly. A damaged tree in an empty corner of the lot can usually wait for normal scheduling.
Will a leaning tree straighten up?
No. A tree that has shifted in the ground will not straighten on its own, and a new lean with lifted soil is a warning that the roots have failed. See hazardous tree assessment in Amarillo TX.
What should I do with the broken limbs on the ground?
Small limbs can be hauled to the city brush sites by residents. See Amarillo brush sites and tree debris options. Large limbs, hanging limbs and anything near a line should be left to professionals.
Need help with a tree in Amarillo TX?
If you want a professional to look at a tree, request a free tree service quote in Amarillo TX. Describe the tree, where it stands and what worries you, and send photos if you can. You can also print the tree check checklist for Amarillo TX homeowners to walk your property first, or read the tree service FAQ for Amarillo TX.
