Tornadoes are one of nature's most ferocious forces, able to cause untold amounts of destruction in a matter of minutes. In 2022 alone, tornadoes caused $700 million of property and crop damage in the United States and were responsible for 23 fatalities.

If they are large enough, tornadoes can destroy almost everything in their path. This includes houses and other structures, but it also includes things like fences and trees. While plenty of attention is given to the damage tornadoes can cause homes and businesses, other types of property damage tornadoes can cause are not discussed as often. To help anyone who might be recovering from tornado damage, let's consider the impacts of tree and fence damage caused by tornadoes.

Tree Damage

Trees may seem steadfast and nearly indestructible, but tornadoes can cause a lot of damage to even the largest, strongest trees. Smaller tornadoes can strip leaves from trees and cause branch breakage. More significant tornadoes, meanwhile, are often capable of completely ripping trees out of the ground, roots and all.

Tornado-damaged trees can create a lot of secondary damage and danger. Branches ripped off trees can become projectiles if caught up in a tornado's high winds, introducing additional risks to both people and property. Uprooted trees can likewise present a lot of hazards. This includes potentially broken power lines if a tree happens to fall across them.

Dealing with tree damage is a big part of tornado recovery—whether it's clearing fallen leaves and branches, cutting up and removing downed trees, or dealing with havoc caused by fallen trees and limbs.

Fence Damage

Fences, especially those not designed to withstand high winds, can receive a lot of damage during a tornado. Tornadoes can twist and bend fence posts and other fencing elements, leaving them a mangled mess. Meanwhile, weaker fences, such as wooden fences, are often blown away entirely.

As with trees, damaged fences during tornadoes can create secondary risks if pieces of fencing are torn away and become projectiles. For barriers designed to keep livestock contained, fence damage also creates a risk of animals escaping and all the potential issues this might entail.

Protecting Your Home and Property From Tornado Damage

The best thing you can do to protect your home and the rest of your property from tornado damage is to be sure your homeowner's insurance policy provides plenty of coverage for damage caused by tornadoes. At National General, we offer a variety of affordable homeowner's insurance policies that provide comprehensive coverage against all manner of natural disasters. To learn more about protecting your home and property, reach out to your local National General agent today.