Storms

Trees are a risk during storms and strong winds. The risk is highest in summer and early autumn when the trees have leaves and are exposed to greater forces from the wind. Strong winds or storms are often followed by rain. If the soil around the root system of a tree becomes very moist, the tree is more likely to fall over. Note that the root systems in older trees may be particularly weakened. Trees or tree branches may have been weakened by previous storms, by fungal and other diseases, or because they have been impacted by other fallen trees.

What can you do?

Fell trees before they become a safety hazard. Most trees need to be pruned at some point to grow healthy. The best way to prune a tree differs from species to species.

Remove diseased, dead or broken branches. Ask a professional for advice before you start pruning. It is important that trees develop a healthy and strong root system to match their size.

If you need to dig around a tree to establish a walkway, driveway or similar, it is important that you are careful not to damage the tree's root system. Note that the tree could need water if there has been a lot of activity around the tree, or if you have carried out excavation or construction work near the tree. 

High winds or storms can cause gables and free-standing walls to collapse and roof tiles can blow off. Wind can also lift off entire roof surfaces or tiles. Solar shading, awnings or scaffolding, for example, can also come loose in strong winds. Wind can also catch garden trampolines, garden furniture or lightweight buildings such as playhouses, rabbit hutches or chicken coops. Loose objects can be a danger to people and can damage buildings. These items will be a danger to people in the area.

What can you do?

When structures collapse, roofs lift off, tiles tear loose and objects blow away in the wind, it is usually because they were not properly secured. If you follow the requirements in the Danish building regulations, you should be protected. Get a building surveyor to examine your house to assess whether everything is sufficiently secured. Note that joints can weaken over time, making them less effective.

Secure loose items, such as garden trampolines and garden furniture before a storm. Stay safe during storms.