Wind Damage Repair

What should I look at first after a windstorm?

Start with hazards, not repairs. Look up for hanging limbs and loose roofing, look down for downed wires and broken glass, and keep animals away from anything unstable until you have checked it.

Walk the property once with a notebook and phone camera. Mark each problem as dangerous, urgent or can wait, and take pictures before moving anything.

Loose debris is another concern. Wind can scatter sheet metal, plastic, wire and nails across pastures and yards, and animals will find them. A slow second walk with a magnet or a rake, once you are sure the ground is safe, catches the small pieces that cause injuries and tire damage later.

• Treat every downed line as live and call the utility
• Account for every animal and look for escapes
• Keep children out of the work area

How do I fix fences so animals stay in?

Fence failures often come from trees or limbs landing on a run, so fix the cause as well as the wire. Temporary fencing or panels across a gap can protect animals while you plan the permanent repair.

Check electric fence chargers, grounding and connections after a storm, since debris can short a line without any visible break. Walk the full line before turning animals out.

Gates are easy to overlook. A gate that has sagged or been forced off its hinge will not latch, and an animal that learns a gate is weak will test it again. Re-hang gates level, check that latches meet cleanly, and replace worn chain or hardware before the next storm rather than after.

• Replace leaning corner and gate posts first, since they carry the load
• Remove debris from wire before tightening
• Mark temporary gaps so they stay visible

What about coops, barns and sheds?

Check roofing, doors and ventilation openings for loosened fasteners and gaps. A shifted structure may be unsafe to enter even if it looks fine, so look for racked walls, cracked posts and a roof line that has changed.

Move poultry and livestock out of any building you are unsure about, and consider a qualified builder or engineer for anything that has moved on its foundation. Electrical, gas or structural work needs licensed professionals where rules require.

Ventilation matters in a damaged coop. Animals need fresh air, but drafts and rain on roosting birds can cause stress and illness. If you must cover a damaged opening, leave enough airflow near the roof line so moisture and ammonia can escape, and watch your birds closely for changes in breathing or behavior.

• Tarp an open roof only if you can do it safely from the ground or with help
• Dry out wet bedding and feed
• Look for nails and sharp metal where animals walk

How should I handle storm-damaged trees?

Trees that are leaning, split or hanging on other trees are dangerous, and chainsaw work on stressed wood is among the riskiest jobs on a small farm. Hire a qualified arborist or logger for anything large or tangled.

Extension foresters can help you decide which trees are worth saving. Many trees recover from moderate damage, and a clean cut by a professional tends to heal better than a ragged break.

Fallen limbs can be used, but safely. Cut, stack and dry wood only if the pieces are small enough to handle without risky cuts. For larger material, a neighbor with the right equipment or a tree service is a better choice than a rented saw and a hurried afternoon. Ask your county office about local rules for disposal and burning.

• Stay out from under hanging branches
• Do not top a tree to fix storm damage
• Ask local rules before burning large brush piles

What can I salvage in the garden and greenhouse?

Wind can shred leaves, snap stems and strip flowers. Plants often recover if the growing point is intact, so stake or trim broken parts and give them time before you pull them.

For hoop houses and greenhouses, check anchoring, plastic and frames before the next wind. Loose plastic can tear a structure apart, so secure it as soon as it is safe to reach.

If a tree or limb crushed a section of garden, do not rush to replant. Check the soil for compaction, remove debris and sharp fragments, and give beds a chance to settle. Quick crops can fill the space while you decide what to do with the larger area.

• Water gently, since stressed roots need steady moisture
• Re-stake transplants and trellises
• Replant quick crops if the season still allows

Will insurance or aid help?

Photos, receipts and a written list of damage make any claim smoother. Contact your insurer before you discard damaged materials or hire large repairs.

Ask your local Farm Service Agency office whether any disaster or conservation programs apply, since eligibility depends on the event and your operation.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.