When storm season hits, trees can go from quiet background to major problem fast. A weak branch or leaning trunk might not seem urgent—until strong winds bring it down on your roof, car, or power line.
That’s why it’s important to check your trees before the storms arrive. In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot danger signs early, what to trim or remove, and when to call a pro to keep your property safe.
Spot the Warning Signs Early
The biggest mistake homeowners make is assuming a tree is safe just because it looks fine from a distance. But the signs of a potentially dangerous tree often show up slowly—and if they’re missed, the risk during storm season goes way up.
I spoke with Jake Emmanuel, Business Owner & CEO of Trees By Jake, in an email interview. He shared, “Start by checking for structural problems. A tree that’s leaning noticeably in one direction—especially one that didn’t lean before—could have damaged or shifting roots. Look at the base: if you see cracked soil, heaving ground, or exposed roots, the tree may already be unstable. Trees with poor root systems are among the first to fall in high winds.”
Jake further emphasized examining the trunk and main branches. Vertical cracks, splits, or cavities in the bark can weaken the tree’s ability to hold itself together under pressure. Dead or hanging branches are a serious hazard, too, even if the rest of the tree seems healthy. These limbs are brittle and often snap off during storms, causing damage below.
Don’t ignore signs of disease or decay. Fungal growth—like mushrooms or conks on the bark—usually means the tree is rotting from the inside out. Also check for sawdust or small holes, which may point to insect infestation weakening the structure.
Finally, look up. If the tree has thin foliage, bare spots, or leaves that turn brown out of season, it’s struggling. Trees in decline are less resilient in bad weather and more likely to break or fall when the wind picks up.
Eric Andrews, Owner of Mold Inspection & Testing, advises, “The earlier you notice warning signs, the more options you have — whether that means pruning, bracing, or removal. Waiting until a storm hits often means it’s too late.”
Prune or Remove Before the Storm Hits
Once you’ve identified potential issues, it’s time to act. Pruning and, when necessary, removal are two of the most effective ways to reduce tree-related storm damage. Proper pruning helps a tree stay balanced, reduces wind resistance, and eliminates weak limbs before they become airborne. The key is to focus on dead, damaged, or overextended branches—especially those hanging over your roof, driveway, or power lines.
You should also look for branches that cross or rub against each other. These can wear down over time and create breakpoints. Thinning the crown of a dense tree can also help reduce wind drag, which is a common cause of limb breakage in strong storms. But be careful—not all cuts are good cuts.
Bryan Dornan, Mortgage Lending Expert & Founder at Best 2nd Mortgage Rates, adds, “Over-pruning or topping a tree (cutting off the entire top) can actually make it weaker. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call in a certified arborist who knows how to maintain structure and health.”
In some cases, pruning isn’t enough. Trees that are severely leaning, hollow, or rotting from the inside out may need to be removed entirely—especially if they’re close to your home.
While it might feel extreme, taking down one hazardous tree is far better than dealing with a collapsed roof or blocked emergency route during a storm. The time to make that decision is before the weather turns dangerous—not after.
Don’t Ignore The Tree Safety Myths
Tree care is often misunderstood, and a few common myths can lead homeowners to make risky choices—especially when preparing for storms. One of the biggest misconceptions is that a healthy-looking tree is automatically safe.
The truth is, even strong, leafy trees can fail during a storm if they have hidden structural issues. A tree can be full of green leaves and still have a rotting core or unstable roots that won’t hold up in high winds.
Another widespread myth is that topping a tree—cutting off the entire upper portion—makes it safer. It doesn’t. In fact, topping severely weakens the tree and leaves it more vulnerable to storm damage. It also creates unstable, fast-growing shoots that are more likely to break in the future.
Proper pruning by someone trained in tree structure is a much safer and more effective approach.
Some homeowners also believe that smaller trees don’t pose a threat. While they might not crush a roof, smaller trees and large branches can still shatter windows, dent vehicles, or injure someone. During a storm, it doesn’t take much weight or force to cause expensive and dangerous damage.
Mark Mechelse, VP of Marketing at Master Magnetics, shares, “Ignoring expert advice or relying on quick fixes can cost far more in the long run. It’s important to separate fact from myth and base your decisions on what actually keeps your home—and everyone in it—safe.”
Consider Hiring an Arborist
Some tree problems are easy to spot—like a broken limb or a tree leaning after heavy rain.
But others aren’t as obvious. Internal decay, root instability, and poor branch structure can all weaken a tree without showing clear signs from the outside. That’s where a trained eye makes a difference.
“Certified arborists are trained to spot issues that most homeowners miss. They understand how a tree’s weight is distributed, how wind interacts with its shape, and how past damage affects future stability,” says Beni Avni, Owner of New York Gates.
They also know when pruning is enough—and when a tree poses too much risk to leave standing.
In high-risk areas or with larger trees close to your home, a professional assessment can help you make safer decisions. It’s not about cutting down every tree—it’s about knowing which ones are likely to hold up in a storm and which ones won’t. Sometimes a few targeted changes can make all the difference.
While not every situation calls for expert help, it’s worth considering if you’re unsure about what you’re seeing. In storm season, guessing wrong can be costly.
Watch the Ground
Tree safety isn’t just about what’s happening above ground—what’s happening below can be just as important, especially before a storm. Soil around your trees gives you subtle but critical clues. After heavy rain or long dry spells, the ground can shift, soften, or crack, affecting how well a tree can stay anchored.
If you notice the soil pulling away from the roots, pooling water near the base, or fresh mounds of earth on one side of the tree, take it seriously. These are often signs that the root system has been disturbed or weakened.
In an interview, Gerald M, Co-Founder of Fair Gloves, said, “Storm winds don’t just break branches—they can lift entire trees from the ground when the roots aren’t secure. This is especially true for trees in clay-heavy or saturated soils, where stability can change overnight.”
Before storm season ramps up, walk your property and check the base of larger trees. If something looks off, it’s better to deal with it early—either through support, pruning, or removal—rather than after it crashes through a fence or roof.
Understand Your Responsibility of Damage and Insurance
Many homeowners don’t realize that if a damaged or neglected tree on their property falls during a storm and causes harm to a neighbor’s home, car, or public property, they could be held responsible. Insurance companies often draw a hard line between unavoidable accidents and preventable ones.
If it’s clear that a tree was in poor condition and no action was taken, your claim—or someone else’s against you—may be denied.
Before storm season, take a moment to understand what your home insurance covers when it comes to tree-related damage. Review your policy, and when in doubt, speak to your insurer. It also helps to document the condition of your trees with photos or notes, especially if you’re scheduling work or noticing changes.
Kyle Winblad, Owner of Blad Boys Buy Homes, suggests, “Taking action to remove or treat risky trees not only protects your property but can protect you from legal or financial trouble later.”
After the Storm: What to Do
Once a storm has passed, your first priority should be safety. Downed power lines, hanging branches, and damaged trees can create serious hazards—some of which aren’t immediately obvious. Avoid walking under any trees that look unstable, especially if you notice cracks in the trunk or limbs dangling overhead. If a tree has fallen on a structure or is near utility lines, stay clear and contact the proper authorities or utility company.
Next, take a careful look at your trees from a safe distance. A tree that’s suddenly leaning, has split bark, or shows fresh cracks may not fall right away—but it’s at high risk of failing soon. Trees with major root exposure or heaving soil at the base may also be compromised, even if they’re still standing.
It’s important not to rush into cutting or cleaning up large branches yourself, especially if you don’t have experience or the right tools. Storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable, and removing limbs without proper support can make things worse. For large or questionable damage, it’s safer to get help from someone trained in storm response and tree safety.
Also, don’t forget to document the damage if you plan to file an insurance claim. Take clear photos of fallen trees, broken limbs, and anything that caused damage to your property. Having this documentation will help when you report the claim and may speed up the process.
Conclusion
Tree safety isn’t just something to think about after a storm—it’s something to plan for before one ever hits. A few simple checks, smart pruning, and early action can prevent serious damage to your home and keep your family safe.
Whether it’s spotting a leaning trunk, removing a dead limb, or just knowing when to bring in help, every step you take ahead of time matters.
Storms are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Take time now to look at the trees around your home—before wind and rain make the decisions for you.
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