When a storm is in the forecast, most homeowners find it necessary to take action immediately: securing outdoor furniture, checking flashlights and batteries, stocking up on food and water, and making sure their windows are storm-ready. These are all smart and necessary steps. But one critical element of our properties that also needs attention is often overlooked: our trees.
Trees can become serious hazards during a storm if not properly maintained. High winds and heavy rain can cause branches to snap, trees to fall, or limbs to damage your home, vehicles, or utility lines. To avoid these outcomes, you need to give your trees the same level of care and attention as the rest of your home when a severe weather event is on the horizon.
Below, we break down the essential things you need to do to prepare your trees for a storm.
Schedule a Tree Risk Assessment
If storm season is approaching, it’s highly beneficial to get an idea of your tree’s condition and vulnerabilities. A professional tree risk assessment conducted by an ISA-certified arborist can provide this insight. In fact, the inspection identifies weak points that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.
During the assessment, the arborist will inspect the tree for structural issues, signs of disease or decay, poor branch attachments, and root instability. They will also evaluate the tree’s proximity to nearby structures. Based on their findings, they can recommend specific steps to mitigate risk, such as pruning hazardous limbs, cabling, or, in extreme cases, full tree removal. This proactive approach helps ensure you’re not caught off guard when severe weather strikes.
Don’t Top Your Tree or Create Lion’s Tails
While some homeowners might think they are doing the right thing by topping a tree — cutting off large sections of the canopy to reduce height — this is a dangerous and outdated practice. And topping can actually weaken a tree by removing critical foliage. The practice often leads to decay, sunscald, and the regrowth of weakly attached shoots that are more prone to breaking during a storm.
Similarly, lion’s tailing — the removal of inner branches, leaving foliage only at the tips — can destabilize the tree’s structure. It shifts the weight to the ends of the limbs, making them more likely to snap under pressure.
Always avoid these tree trimming techniques and opt for selective pruning done by a professional.
Invest in Proper Pruning
Proper pruning is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of storm-related tree damage. Strategic pruning removes dead or diseased limbs that could become dangerous projectiles and thins out the canopy to reduce wind resistance. Ideally, tree pruning should be done regularly as part of a routine maintenance plan and never right before a storm, when fresh cuts may not have enough time to heal.
Install Structural Supports
In some cases, trees may have structural weaknesses that cannot be corrected through pruning alone. Structural supports, such as cabling and bracing, can be installed to provide additional strength and stability.
Cabling, in particular, involves installing flexible steel cables between major limbs to reduce stress and prevent splitting. Bracing rods can be used to support weak branch unions or reinforce trunks with cracks. These systems are particularly useful for mature trees or valuable specimens that might otherwise be removed. However, these supports should only be installed by a certified arborist to ensure they are placed correctly and monitored regularly.
Select Storm-Resistant Trees
If you’re planting new trees or replacing damaged ones, consider choosing species known for their storm resilience. Storm-resistant trees typically have strong wood, deep root systems, and good branch structure. Some examples include:
- Live Oak
- Bald Cypress
- Southern Magnolia
- Crepe Myrtle
Plant Trees in Groups
There is strength in numbers, and this is certainly true for trees. Planting trees in groups or groves can create a windbreak, where the outer trees absorb the brunt of the wind, protecting the inner trees. This collective arrangement significantly reduces the force exerted on any single tree, making the entire group more resilient to storm damage.
When planting trees in groups, just make sure each tree still has enough space to grow to maturity without overcrowding.
Invest in Routine Soil and Root Care
A healthy, thriving root system is essential to a tree’s ability to withstand the forces of a storm. That’s why you should invest in routine soil and root care well before the start of and during the storm season.
To keep your trees rooted and strong:
- Aerate compacted soil to improve oxygen flow.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Avoid piling soil or mulch against the trunk (which can cause rot).
- Refrain from disturbing roots during construction or landscaping.
- Hire a certified arborist to perform deep root fertilization.
Let TreeWiseMen Help You Weather the Storm
Preparing your trees for a storm doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. With the right steps and professional guidance, you can significantly reduce the risk your trees pose during severe weather and even enhance their long-term health.
At TreeWiseMen, our ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to get your trees in tip-top condition before the next storm hits. So, contact us today to schedule a tree care service and help your beloved plants stand strong.
Has a storm already passed through town? It’s not too late to care for your trees! In addition to providing storm damage cleanup, we can also evaluate your trees and recommend the best after-storm care.
