Tree Pruning for Summer Storms: Safeguarding Your Southlake Property from Summer Weather Hazards

A powerful storm can bring a slew of issues during the summer, especially for trees. With heavy winds and precipitation, a tree can experience bending and sometimes even breaks, causing branches to become free-falling hazards. There are many ways to prepare property and trees for summer storms, and TreeNewal can offer guidance.

Image via Flickr by Mary P. Madigan

How To Prepare Trees for a Summer Storm

There are several ways to prepare trees before a storm. One of the best ways to keep them safe is to ensure the root system remains intact while pruning. This ensures the tree maintains a strong base connected to the ground to prevent uprooting in the case of severe wind.

Additionally, care must be taken when pruning, as removing certain branches may increase the likelihood of branches snapping and becoming hazards. To prune in preparation for a storm, only branches on the tree’s interior should be removed, as this can let wind pass through the canopy created by multiple trees more smoothly.

After removing the interior branches, it’s important to clear the area so it’s free of trimmings. Any branches, uprooted stumps, or leaves left unattended have the potential to get caught in the wind and function as projectiles that can damage property and put people in danger.

The Importance of Preventative Trimming

Preventative trimming is probably the best way to prepare trees for a storm. This involves regular pruning before storms occur to ensure trees don’t grow in a way that makes them potential hazards. For example, if a young tree begins growing branches that are exceptionally longer than its other branches, pruning the overgrown areas can prevent them from snapping during high winds.

It’s also beneficial to trim growing trees that show signs of an uneven canopy. This occurs when a significantly higher number of branches grow on one side of the tree, causing the tree’s canopy to be much heavier in certain areas. Removing extra branches before they fully grow makes it possible to correct the tree’s growth pattern so it develops a consistent canopy that’s less likely to break due to being too heavy in places.

Pruning a tree preventatively can help it develop a strong structure and trunk, ensuring it has a better chance of weathering summer storms. Identifying branches that act as the lowest part of the canopy and trimming any that grow below them ensures the tree maintains space along its trunk.

How TreeNewal Can Help

Even in the worst of storms, a professional tree care company like TreeNewal can ensure trees get the care they need to stay healthy and beautiful. With expert tree doctors who know how to prune and trim trees to perfection, the team is ready to provide whatever tree care is required. Contact us today to discover how we can help your trees be resilient in any weather.