Storm Season is Coming: Are Your Trees Ready?

As storm season approaches, Marin County homeowners are busy preparing their properties. But while you’re cleaning gutters and securing outdoor furniture, don’t forget about one of the most important parts of storm prep: your trees.

Strong winds and heavy rain can turn beautiful trees into dangerous hazards. Falling branches or uprooted trees can cause expensive damage to your home and put your family at risk. 

The good news is that with some planning and professional help, you can make your trees safer and protect your property all year long.

Follow these steps to get your trees ready for storm season:

Look for Warning Signs

Sometimes, the biggest tree problems are the ones you can’t see right away. Even trees that look healthy on the outside might have hidden weaknesses. Things like drought, bad pruning, or past storm damage can make trees more likely to fall or break during bad weather.

Watch out for these six warning signs:

1. Cracks in the trunk or big branches
2. Dead or hanging branches
3. Trees that are leaning more than usual
4. Roots sticking out of the ground
5. Mushrooms growing at the base of the tree
6. Areas with few leaves or dead branches

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in an expert. Trained arborists can check your trees carefully and tell you what needs to be done to make them safer.

Prune Your Trees

Pruning your trees the right way can make a big difference in how well they stand up to storms. Trees that do well in storms have strong branches and plenty of space away from buildings and power lines. And professionally done pruning is the best way to achieve that. 

Professional pruning helps by:

• Taking out dead, weak, or crossing branches
• Thinning out thick areas of leaves so wind can pass through
• Lifting up low branches that hang over roofs or walkways
• Fixing issues in young trees before they get bigger

Good pruning helps trees grow healthier and makes them less likely to break in storms. But remember, pruning can be tricky. If it’s not done right, it can actually make trees more dangerous. That’s why it’s best to let professionals handle it.

Strengthen Mature Trees

Big trees are beautiful, but they can be dangerous during storms. To make your large trees safer, experienced arborists use special techniques to support big trees – cabling and bracing. They’re used for weak branches by reinforcing areas that might break in high winds. 

These methods are safe and long-lasting with support systems that work with how trees naturally move.

Care for Tree Roots and Soil

Healthy roots are key to keeping trees standing tall. Many trees fall over in storms because their roots aren’t strong enough.

You can help make your tree’s roots stronger by:

• Loosening packed-down soil so roots can grow better.
• Putting mulch around trees to protect roots and keep the soil moist.
• Fixing drainage issues that can weaken roots.
• Advising you on where it’s safe to park or put heavy things near trees.

Overall, taking care of the soil helps your trees stay strong from the ground up.

Check Your Property Before Storms Hit

Checking your trees before storm season starts is your best bet to reduce damage. A tree risk assessment can save you money and keep your property safe – and we highly recommend a professional handle it.

Our certified arborists at Treemasters will visit your property to look at all your trees carefully, find problems you might not see yourself, tell you which trees need help right away, and suggest trimming or support for trees that need it. After we check your trees, you’ll know exactly what to do to keep them safe during storms.

Be Ready for Tree Storm Damage, Not Sorry

With the help of professional arborists, your property can be ready for any weather. 

Since 1987, we’ve been honest and responsible in our work. Treemasters’s team has over 35 years of experience helping folks in Marin County with their trees. Our ISA-Certified Arborists will work with you and tell you how to keep your trees safe and healthy. 

So don’t wait for a storm to cause problems! Call us today for an expert tree assessment, or fill out our contact form here.