Lightning can cause massive damage, fires, and openings for other threats like bugs or fungal diseases. Barring any large fires or explosions, it’s difficult to tell how much damage a lightning strike has done until after a thorough inspection. Contact local authorities immediately if lightning strikes a tree in your yard and it causes a fire or explosion.

In most cases, your neighbor is responsible for roots from their tree that cause damage to your property. If your pavement, the foundation of your home, or a fence is damaged by roots from a neighbor’s tree, you likely will have legal recourse for financial relief. While it’s better to notify your neighbor of any problems you notice as soon as they arise to avoid costly damage, there are some instances where filing a civil suit is your only recourse. Your homeowner’s insurance company might wish to do so on your behalf if you file a claim.

Most experts recommend removing a tree that has sustained more than 25% loss in the limbs, trunk, or circumference of the bark. Doing an initial trimming of damaged and dangling branches, but then waiting a few days of monitoring to decide how much more you might need to cut can help you better assess the total damage to the tree. However, consulting a tree maintenance pro to make this determination the best course of action before removing a tree.

In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.

That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.