It’s a nightmare when your favorite tree or garden gets uprooted by a storm, or a broken branch falls on your roof. A single hurricane or high wind event creates expensive cleanup costs. But how do you ensure proper tree care?
Plant trees in the right spots and give your new tree structural support. It protects them from strong winds and storms. Inspect old trees from time to time to check their health and solve problems early. Proper care reduces damage when storms hit. Some species are more prone to storm damage than others.
This article covers prevention steps for newly planted and mature trees. You’ll learn how to protect garden structures, too.
How to Prevent Storm Damage to Newly Planted Trees
Young trees are at risk of damage during their first few years. Strong winds can easily uproot small trees. But early care builds tough trees that survive thunderstorm seasons. Good planning means reducing the risk of damage to trees later.
Plant in the Right Spot
Trees need the right space from buildings, fences, and power lines. The height of the tree at maturity determines safe spacing distances. Room for tree roots to spread creates better stability during storms. You can take help from a local tree service company to choose the right spot.
Support with Stakes or Anchors
Stake new plantings to help them survive windy weather. Ties should stay loose around the trunk area as too-tight ties can actually hurt the tree. Shrub and tree supports work best when they allow some natural movement.
Proper Watering and Soil Care
Deep watering builds strong root system foundations below ground. Mulching around the base helps the soil stay moist longer. But keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk in a donut shape. Creating a mulching volcano can give you the opposite result.
Try Early Pruning
Prune trees to remove weak or crossing branches early. You need to focus on one strong central leader for the main trunk. Remove diseased or damaged parts right away. Good structure now prevents bigger problems during storm season.
How to Protect Mature or Established Trees
Larger trees face more problems than newly planted trees during storms and other extreme situations. However, if they are healthy, trees can stay standing better during bad weather, even if they’re large and old.
Regular Pruning and Thinning
Weak and dead tree branches cause big problems during storms. Remove large limbs that hang over houses or cars. Thinning stops tops from catching too much wind. Large tree work may require professional help for safety.
Install Cables and Braces if Needed
Some older tree types get weak spots in the branch and trunk areas. Support cables help heavy parts stay on during heavy rain and wind. You can add braces for split trunks, and your trees may need extra help to stay safe.
Keep Trees Healthy and Pest-Free
Pest problems make trees weak from inside. Regular care stops rot and holes that make trees fall.
- Prune regularly to remove weak branches
- Water deeply during dry summer months
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
- Inspect often for pests and disease
Avoid Poor Practices
Topping your trees makes them weaker and more dangerous. This creates many weak parts instead of one strong trunk. Mulch piled against bark causes root damage. Bad care makes storm risks worse, such as:
- Weak structure
- Root damage
- Storm hazards
What to Do if Storm Damage Occurs?
Sometimes storm damage to your trees happens, no matter what you do. Quick action after storms helps damaged trees recover faster. Good care now stops more problems later.
- Put personal safety first around uprooted trees
- Stay away from downed power lines completely
- Remove broken branches and limbs from gardens quickly
- Cut damaged branches at the proper spots for healing
- Clear debris to stop pests from moving in
- Check if trees need complete removal for safety
- Take photos for insurance claims before cleanup
- Call an arborist for dangerous tree situations
