How to Protect Your Trees from Storm Damage (And What to Do If It’s Too Late)
- treeguys44
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Tree Guys Tree Service | Your Local Tree Care Experts
Storms show up uninvited, and your trees are often the ones taking the hit. High winds, pounding rain, and heavy ice can turn a peaceful yard into a disaster zone. We’ve seen it all, from oaks snapping like twigs to giant maples toppling over like dominoes.
But here's the good news: most storm-related tree disasters can be prevented.
How Storms Damage Trees
Storm damage can range from a few snapped twigs to full-on tree failure. Here’s what you need to watch for and how different types of storms impact your trees.
1. Wind Damage
High winds are the usual suspects when trees come down. But not every tree reacts the same way:
Shallow-rooted trees (like Bradford pears or some pines) are more likely to uproot.
Dense canopies catch more wind, making the tree more likely to fall or split.
Dead or decayed limbs are like ticking time bombs, the first to snap off and cause damage.
2. Heavy Rain & Saturated Soil
After long periods of rain, the ground becomes soft, which weakens root stability. Even a healthy tree can tip over if the roots can’t grip the ground. Combined with wind? You’ve got a recipe for disaster.
3. Lightning Strikes
Yes, lightning really can strike the same place twice, and trees are often targets. A direct hit can:
Split or shatter the trunk
Strip bark and expose wood
Damage the vascular system inside the tree, which often leads to delayed death
The tricky part? Lightning damage might not show until months later when the tree starts to decline.
4. Snow and Ice Load
In colder months, snow and ice can weigh down branches until they snap. Large limbs may crack under the pressure, especially in older or overgrown trees. Even small breaks can become entry points for disease or pests.
How to Reduce the Risk of Storm Damage to Your Trees
1. Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection
Storm season is no time to be guessing. A certified arborist can spot the early warning signs most people miss. At Tree Guys Tree Service, we check for:
Dead or dying branches that are ready to snap
Signs of disease or decay hiding under the bark
Weak branch unions that are prone to splitting
Poor root stability, especially after heavy rains
Trees too close to homes, sheds, or power lines
Think of inspections as a health check-up for your trees. Just like you wouldn’t skip a physical before a marathon, don’t skip this step before storm season.
2. Prune Regularly (and Strategically)
No, pruning isn’t just for curb appeal (though hey, that’s a nice bonus). Done right, it keeps your tree structure strong and balanced. Smart pruning helps:
Reduce wind resistance by thinning out the canopy
Remove dead or hazardous limbs before they fall
Encourage healthy growth and natural shape
Heads up: DIY trimming might seem easy, but it can weaken your trees if done incorrectly. Trust the pros, we know exactly where and when to make cuts that benefit the long-term health of your trees.
3. Remove Hazard Trees Before They Become Emergencies
This is the hard one, we get it. Removing a mature tree can feel like losing part of the landscape. But if that tree is leaning, hollow, or showing signs of rot? It’s only a matter of time.
We’ve seen too many 5,000-pound trees turn into wrecking balls after one windy night.
If you’re not sure if a tree’s a hazard, we’ll assess it and give you honest advice. Sometimes we can save it. Sometimes, it’s safer to say goodbye now than deal with storm fallout later.
4. Protect the Root System
Most storm-damaged trees don’t fail from the top—they fail at the roots. A weak root system is like trying to stand on one foot in a hurricane. To keep your trees grounded, avoid:
Overwatering or letting the soil stay soggy for too long
Compacting the soil by driving or parking near the base
Digging or trenching too close to the trunk
Placing heavy objects like storage sheds or mulch mounds around the roots
Planning to plant new trees? Choose species that are known for strong root systems and wind resistance, and make sure they’re well-suited to your soil conditions.
5. Keep Trees Thinned Out
A dense canopy catches more wind, putting stress on limbs and increasing the risk of breakage. Thinning helps wind pass through the tree, not against it.
The result? A much more storm-resilient tree that’s less likely to shed heavy limbs or topple altogether.
Bonus Tip: Make Storm Prep Part of Your Annual Routine
Storm-proofing isn’t just a one-time task—it’s a yearly habit. Our suggestion? Schedule inspections and pruning in early spring or late fall, before storm seasons peak.
What to Do After a Storm Hits
Storm already did the damage? Don’t panic, follow these steps:
1. Stay Safe
Never approach a downed tree, especially if it’s near power lines or resting on a structure. Call 911 if there's a safety hazard.
2. Document the Damage
Take photos of everything: broken limbs, damaged property, leaning trees, exposed roots. You may need this for insurance claims.
3. Call Tree Guys Tree Service
We offer emergency tree removal and storm cleanup. Our trained crew handles everything safely and efficiently. We’ll also assess whether your tree can be saved or if removal is the safest option.
Why Tree Guys Tree Service?
Tree care is what we do every day, in every season. When storms strike, we’re ready.
Certified Arborists
Licensed & Insured
Local Expertise – We know the trees, weather patterns, and soil conditions of our region.
Let’s Get Your Trees Storm-Ready
Being proactive is the best way to avoid a tree emergency, but when the unexpected happens, Tree Guys Tree Service has your back.
Our emergency tree removal team is available 24/7, ready to respond fast when a storm takes down limbs, uproots trees, or puts your home and safety at risk. We know these situations are stressful, which is why we move quickly, communicate clearly, and handle everything.
Fast service. Real peace of mind.
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