Storms bring strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and lightning. All of this causes severe damage to our trees. To prevent this, proper tree care practices should be adopted to make our trees resilient against such types of environmental stresses. Without proper care, trees can become hazardous. They can break apart and topple over causing severe damage to your properties and the surrounding area.

The good news? There are steps that can be taken to protect your tree from storm damage. This guide is all about such practical tips that will help you prepare your trees before a storm damage occurs and safeguard them during extreme weather conditions which will help them to recover afterward. 

Understanding Storm Risks & Preventive Measures

1. Why Storm Damage is a Major Concern for your Trees?

Storms Damage can devastate and harm trees. It breaks the branches of these, destabilizes the tree and causes uprooted trunks. If trees are neglected or improperly maintained, the risk of breaking off becomes higher. 

How Storms Damage Trees

• Wind Damage: Strong winds that break branches or uproot trees.

• Flooding and Soil Erosion: Water-soaked soils lessen the support of tree roots and cause trees to fall.

• Lightning Strike: These strikes can sometimes even split a tree down the middle or cause damage if it has an internal injury.

• Hail and Ice Accumulation: Can break branches, weaken the bark, and make trees susceptible to stress.

The Financial Impact of Storm-Damaged Trees

• Costly Repairs for Property Damages- Trees falling on homes or power lines can damage property and cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
• Costly Emergency Removals- The cost of tree removal shoots up after a storm, because the demand is very high.
• Increased Insurance Premiums- Frequent claims on trees make homeowner’s insurance expensive.

2. Identifying Trees at Risk of Storm Damage

There are some trees that are more vulnerable than others. Their weaknesses depend on their structure, how healthy they are and their location. 

Warning Signs of a Weak Tree

• Leaning tree: The tree has a high risk of falling if it is leaning too heavily.

• Cracks in the trunk or branches: The split wood indicates weakness in the tree, compromising its structural integrity. 

• Hollow or decayed canopies: Decay in the tree adds to the weakening of its structure. Winds further increase the risk of breakage. 

• Shallow roots: Storms can uproot trees with weak roots. This makes it more likely the tree will snap and fall.

Tree Species Most Susceptible to Storm Damage

• Silver Maple- Weak wood and shallow-rooted species. 
• Bradford Pear- This tree species has a very weak structure, making it more likely for branches to fall off.
• Willows- Flexible trees but they have an increased risk of breakage due to wind. 
• Poplars and Cottonwoods,- Very fast-growing, but are structurally compromised.

Have a tree that is susceptible to Damage from storms? No need to worry you can replace such species with Live Oak or Bald Cypress. 

3. Strategic Tree Planting for Storm Resistance

So, now that you have understood how storms can damage our trees, it is important to know what tree species you should opt for when selecting trees for planting: 

Best Trees for Storm Resistance

• Live Oak: Strong branching and deep roots. 
• Bald Cypress: Resistance to wind and flooding. 
• The Southern Magnolia: Permeable and able to withstand strong wind. 

Think About Tree Placement. 

The location where your tree is planted really matters. 

• Avoid power lines or buildings when choosing an area for planting. 
• Plant trees far enough apart for wind to pass through them. 
• Use companion plants (shrubs and smaller trees) to help shield against the wind.

4. Pruning Techniques to Strengthen Trees

Want to focus on stabilizing your trees? Opt for tree pruning as it helps to prevent weak branches from breaking. So, it is important to avoid topping your trees to protect your landscapes for years to come. 

Best Practices You Can Adopt for Storm-Proof Pruning

Remove dead or weak branches to reduce breakage risk.
Thin out dense canopies so wind can pass through.
Shape young trees early to encourage strong growth.

5. Soil Care & Root System Protection

A healthy root system is essential to make trees thrive. Well-established root systems ensure your trees get the optimal amount of nutrients and provide unlimited environmental benefits. 

How to Strengthen Roots:

• Use Mulch. It helps to lock in moisture and stabilize the soil.
• Deeply water the roots as it encourages the roots to grow deeper.
• You can also aerate the soil to increase its drainage and avoid the risk of waterlogging.

Part 2: Emergency Preparedness & Post-Storm Tree Care

6. Pre-Storm Tree Protection Checklist

Before the storm arrives, here are a few things that you should take note of:

• Look for any weak or damaged branches on the tree. Prune them in a timely manner to avoid the risk of breaking.
• To guarantee the structural soundness of your tree, eliminate any deadwood and unstable branches.
• For additional support, install tree braces or cables. This helps the tree to balance its weight. 
• Similarly, for protection, you can maintain the soil in a state that is moist but well-drained. 

7. Protecting Young Trees from Storms: 

Homeowners can secure their young tree in many ways. It is necessary to protect them as they cannot support themselves. One can use tree stakes to anchor them in place. Similarly, they can wrap their trunks to avoid damage to the bark. Pruning can be used to remove weakened limbs so they do not fall when the storm comes. 

8. Post-Storm Tree Assessment – Identifying Damage

Once you have done everything possible to protect your trees from the storm, what can you possibly do after the storm? Let us find out. After the storm is over, assess your trees again for safety hazards.

Red Flags to observe: 

• Hanging or broken limbs
• Splitting trunks or deep cracks
• Uprooted trees with exposed roots. 

9. Safe Tree Removal & Cleanup After a Storm

Professionals safely remove the tree using rigging techniques and heavy-duty equipment to restore the functionality of landscapes. Post-removal, we also ensure your space is left neat and tidy. 

When is it necessary to remove a tree?

• The tree is at a dangerous angle towards your buildings that is it is leaning.
• Branches are broken or missing.
• The root system is affected and disrupted.

10. Helping Trees Recover After Storm Damage

It is essential to properly maintain trees once the storm is over. A few storm recovery tips that could be useful for your greens.

• If there are any, trim minor broken branches to prevent the spread of infection.

• Use fertilizer to promote regrowth and enhance its development.

• Keep an eye on the tree’s health for indications of illness. 

How Long Does Tree Recovery Take? 

• For minor damages, it takes about 6 months to 1 year. 
• In case of moderate damage, 1-2 years of proper tree care is usually sufficient.
• If the damage is severe, removal is necessary! 

Conclusion

In general, it remains crucial to care for trees properly to protect our trees plus our property. Homeowners in both commercial and residential settings may work to secure trees at risk to prevent expensive fixes. One may opt to plant a tree that withstands storms from the start to secure their peace of mind. These pre-planned steps cut damage risks while supporting a robust landscape during harsh weather.