How to Prepare Your Trees for Storm Season

Extreme weather can be devastating to both trees and property. Strong winds, heavy rains, or ice storms can weaken even the healthiest of trees or turn overlooked issues into serious hazards. Preparing your trees for storm season not only protects your investment in your landscape but also protects your home and loved ones. With some preventive care and the help of certified arborists, you can make sure that your trees are ready to face whatever nature throws their way.

Here are step-by-step instructions for preparing your trees for storm season.

1. Inspect Your Trees for Weaknesses

Start by inspecting your trees for any signs of weakness or damage. Look for cracks in the trunk, dead branches, or leaning trees, as these issues can increase the risk of storm-related damage. If you’re not sure what to look for, consider hiring a certified arborist to assess your trees' health and stability.

2. Prune Dead or Overgrown Branches

Proper pruning is one of the best ways to prepare trees for storms. Remove dead, weak, or overgrown branches to reduce the chance of them breaking off during high winds. Pruning helps distribute the tree’s weight evenly and improves its overall strength. It’s always best to hire a professional, especially for large trees or complex pruning needs, to make sure the job is done correctly and safely.

3. Support Young or Vulnerable Trees

Young trees or newly planted ones may not have strong root systems yet. Consider staking these trees to provide extra support during storms. Make sure the stakes allow for some natural movement, which helps trees grow stronger over time.

4. Clear the Area Around the Tree

Inspect the area around your trees and remove anything that could become a projectile during a storm, such as loose garden tools, furniture, or decorations. Keeping the ground clear around the tree not only protects your property but also prevents additional damage to the tree itself.

5. Remove High-Risk Trees

Sometimes, the best course of action is to remove a tree entirely if it poses a significant risk to your property or safety. Trees with extensive rot, dead trunks, or a history of dropping large branches become especially dangerous during storms. If you're unsure whether a tree needs removal, consult a professional tree service to evaluate the situation and take action if needed.

6. Plan for Post-Storm Cleanup

Even with the best preparation, storms can leave behind significant debris and damage. Fallen branches, uprooted trees, and scattered debris can not only compromise the safety of your property but also require immediate attention to prevent further hazards.

This is where professional cleanup services come into play. At SAM Tree Services, their emergency storm services are designed to address storm-related issues quickly and efficiently. From removing hazardous debris to assessing and stabilizing remaining trees, their team handles the aftermath so you can focus on getting life back to normal. Having an experienced team on-call makes sure that your landscape is restored safely after any storm.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Beyond storm season, make routine tree maintenance part of your property care plan. Regular check-ups, pruning, and inspections can improve your trees' health and make them more resilient to future storms. A little preventative effort throughout the year can save you from unexpected headaches when the weather gets rough.

By following these steps, you’ll help protect your property and give your trees the best chance of surviving storm season unscathed. If you require professional assistance with inspections, pruning, or tree removal, the experts at SAM Tree Services are here to help. With years of experience and a dedication to safety, they’ll make sure that your trees are ready to brave the elements.