How to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Trees

Southeast Texas is no stranger to severe weather. From powerful thunderstorms and high winds to hurricanes and tropical storms, our region experiences weather events that can devastate trees and property. At Battalion Tree Service, we've seen the aftermath of storm-damaged trees firsthand—toppled trunks, shattered limbs, and preventable property damage. The good news? Many storm-related tree failures can be prevented with proper care and proactive measures. Here's how to protect your trees and property from storm damage.

---

1. Choose the Right Trees for Southeast Texas

Prevention starts at planting time. When adding new trees to your landscape, select species that are well-suited to our local climate and soil conditions. Native and adapted trees are naturally better equipped to withstand regional weather patterns.

Best choices for storm resistance in Southeast Texas:

• Live Oak — Our state tree is incredibly strong and wind-resistant
• Sabine Palm — Flexible trunk and deep roots handle high winds
• Cedar Elm — Hardy and adaptable to various conditions
• Magnolia — Strong wood and dense root systems
• Yaupon Holly — Compact and wind-tolerant

Avoid planting trees with weak wood characteristics, shallow root systems, or known vulnerability to our local pests and diseases. Trees that are already stressed or unhealthy will be far more susceptible to storm damage.

2. Maintain Healthy Trees Through Regular Care

Healthy trees are storm-resistant trees. Just like humans, trees that are well-nourished and cared for are better able to withstand environmental stressors. Here's what proper tree health maintenance looks like:

Proper watering: Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development. Shallow, frequent watering produces shallow roots that offer little anchorage.

Appropriate fertilization: Trees growing in healthy soil with adequate nutrients develop stronger wood and better root systems. Have your soil tested to determine what nutrients are needed.

Pest and disease management: Insects and diseases weaken trees from the inside out. Regular inspections and prompt treatment of any issues keep trees structurally sound.

Mulching: A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of trees helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, promotes root health, and protects against lawn equipment damage.

3. Professional Pruning: Your Best Defense

Regular, professional pruning is perhaps the most effective step you can take to prevent storm damage. Proper pruning removes weak, dead, or structurally compromised branches before they fail in a storm. Here's what to focus on:

Remove dead wood: Dead branches are brittle and will break under wind load. Remove all dead branches during routine pruning.

Thin the canopy: A dense, thick canopy acts like a sail in high winds. Selective thinning reduces wind resistance while maintaining the tree's natural beauty and health.

Remove co-dominant stems: Trees with two or more main stems competing for dominance often have weak branch unions. Remove the weaker stem to create a stronger structure.

Clear structures: Remove branches that are growing toward houses, garages, fences, or power lines. In a storm, these branches can cause catastrophic damage to structures.

Important: Always hire a certified arborist for major pruning work. Incorrect pruning can weaken trees and create more hazards than it removes. Look for ISA Certified Arborists with demonstrated experience in our regional tree species.

4. Recognize and Address Hazard Trees

Some trees are simply too damaged or structurally compromised to save—and waiting until a storm brings them down can be dangerous. Learning to recognize hazard trees can save lives and property.

Signs of a hazard tree:

• Cracks or splits — Deep cracks in the trunk or major branches
• Decay — Fungal growth, soft or hollow-sounding wood, mushrooms at the base
• Leaning — Trees that have suddenly started leaning indicate root failure
• Dead branches — Extensive dead wood throughout the canopy
• Root damage — Construction damage, soil erosion, or severed roots
• Previous failures — Trees that have already lost major branches

If you suspect a tree is a hazard, contact a certified arborist immediately for an assessment. Sometimes hazard trees can be saved with proper care; other times, removal is the safest option. Either way, don't wait until a storm is approaching—the assessment should happen in calm weather.

5. Prepare Before Storm Season

When severe weather is forecasted, there are steps you can take to minimize tree-related damage:

Secure young trees: Stake newly planted trees and trees under 15 feet tall to provide additional support during high winds.

Check guy wires: If you have staked trees, inspect the stakes and wires to ensure they're in good condition.

Clear the area: Move vehicles, patio furniture, and other valuables away from trees that could fail.

Know your escape route: During severe weather, avoid sheltering in areas where trees could fall on your house.

After the storm: Once conditions are safe, inspect your trees for damage. Even minor splits and broken branches should be addressed quickly—open wounds invite decay and pests. For significant damage, hire a professional to assess and make repairs.

---

Conclusion: Act Now, Not After the Storm

Storm damage to trees is often preventable. By selecting appropriate species, maintaining tree health, scheduling regular professional pruning, identifying hazard trees, and preparing for severe weather, you can significantly reduce the risk of tree-related property damage.

At Battalion Tree Service, we're committed to helping Southeast Texas homeowners protect their landscapes. Our ISA-certified arborists provide comprehensive tree assessments, professional pruning, hazard tree removal, and emergency storm cleanup services. Don't wait for the next storm to take action. Contact us today at (409) 673-5443 for a free evaluation and give your trees the best chance to weather any storm.