Lancaster County experiences significant tree damage every year from nor'easters, summer thunderstorms, and ice storms. This guide covers what to do — and what not to do — when a storm affects your property.
Any tree or limb in contact with power lines should be treated as if the lines are energized until PPL Electric confirms otherwise. PPL Electric serves most of Lancaster County — call 1-800-342-5775 for downed line emergencies. Do not approach, touch, or attempt to move any tree or limb near power lines. This applies even if the lines don't appear damaged.
After a storm, do a walk-around of your property from a safe distance before entering areas under tree canopy. Look up as well as around. Hanging limbs — called widow makers — are the most common cause of post-storm injuries. A branch that survived the initial storm event may come down in the first breeze afterward. Look for broken limbs still held in the canopy before walking under trees.
Photograph all damage from multiple angles before any cleanup begins. This documentation is essential for insurance claims and should be completed before you call for tree removal or begin any yard cleanup. The insurance adjuster cannot assess what has already been cleared.
Lancaster County's geography and housing stock create distinct storm damage patterns across different communities.
Lancaster City's older neighborhoods — Cabbage Hill, the West End, Chestnut Hill, and the streets surrounding Lancaster General Hospital — feature mature street trees, many of them 60 to 100 years old. These large, established trees provide tremendous character but represent significant storm risk. Large silver maples and oaks overhanging narrow city streets are a common emergency situation following nor'easters and summer thunderstorms. The density of structures in city neighborhoods means fallen trees almost always affect multiple properties.
Lititz Borough's historic downtown and residential streets have similarly mature tree canopies. The large trees along Broad Street and in the residential blocks surrounding Lititz Springs Park are characteristic of the borough's appeal and its storm vulnerability. Post-storm cleanup in Lititz often involves coordination with the borough's public works department for street trees.
Manheim Township's post-war suburbs — the neighborhoods along Lititz Pike, the developments between Oregon Pike and Route 30, and the residential streets of Neffsville — have extensive silver maple populations now approaching 50–60 years of age. These are the trees generating the most tree service calls in the township following significant weather events. The township's 14 public parks also experience regular storm tree damage that affects park access and trail use.
The rural townships of Lancaster County — Pequea, Drumore, Martic, and the western agricultural communities — experience storm damage differently. Isolated trees in open fields experience higher wind loading than sheltered residential trees. Old fence-row trees, many of them significant in size and age, are particularly vulnerable to wind-throw. Properties with large oaks and ash trees near farm buildings and equipment storage should have those trees assessed periodically.
The communities along the Route 30 corridor through Lancaster County — Mountville, Columbia, and the developments of Elizabethtown and Ephrata — experienced extensive Bradford pear planting through the 1990s and 2000s. These trees, now 20–30 years old, are at peak failure risk. The Bradford pear failures following ice events along this corridor have been some of the most significant tree cleanup events in the county in recent years. If you have Bradford pears in these communities, a proactive assessment before winter is worthwhile.
For downed power lines and outage reporting throughout most of Lancaster County.
For major storm events and disaster declarations affecting tree cleanup costs and resources.
Call your insurer before cleanup begins if a tree hit any structure. Get a claim number first. Coverage varies by policy.
For storm damage involving city street trees in Lancaster City. Street trees are the city's responsibility, not the property owner's.
What to look for before the next storm to identify trees that may fail.
Read the guide →Which species pose the greatest risk in Lancaster County's storm seasons.
Read the guide →What your homeowner policy likely covers and doesn't cover after storm damage.
Read the guide →Step-by-step guidance for the first hours after a storm affects your property.
Read the guide →Call or fill out the form — local professionals respond promptly during business hours.
(717) 716-6715