Gardens and green spaces

A branch is hanging after a storm. Can I cut it myself?

A hanging branch or loaded trunk can move suddenly even after the wind stops. This is not routine pruning.

NAPREMO guide · Updated: 4 November 2026.

What you can do

  1. Keep people and animals outside the possible fall zone.
  2. For immediate danger to people, call 112; report contact with power lines to the relevant emergency service.
  3. Photograph only from a safe distance and notify the property manager on shared land.

How to tell whether it helped

Removing one branch does not establish that the whole tree is stable. The trunk, crown and roots may need assessment.

When to stop

Do not pull branches with ropes, climb the tree, cut loaded wood or approach fallen power lines.

How NAPREMO can help

After the danger is secured, NAPREMO green can assess further work and any formal requirements.

Technical references

All advice and FAQ