Trees and Summer Storms: Importance of Care Before and After the Storm
- Oliver Lester
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Summer has finally settled in here in Cincinnati, bringing with it extreme heat, humidity, and thunderstorms. These are familiar weather patterns for Midwesterners, and native trees in the area have evolved to withstand these normal conditions. However, some severe storms can exert extreme forces, with strong, gusty winds being the main source of damage. These severe storms are more common during the summer months; however, you can reduce the risk of tree damage by planning ahead and maintaining your trees.
Types of Summer Storm Damage
Storm damage to trees takes many different forms, ranging from minor branch loss to a complete uprooting. Some examples of possible severe damage to trees include:
Wind Throw: This occurs when high winds uproot the entire tree. This is because the forces on the aerial parts of the tree (the limbs and branches) are too great for the root system anchoring the tree to the ground. Often, previous harm from construction, lack of maintenance, or pests can predispose the tree to this form of damage.
Stem Failure: Tree trunks can fail at their weakest point, causing the trunk to snap or break. Old injury sites or recent wounds can lead to failure under strong winds. Damage from stem failure is usually irreparable.
Crown Twist: Strong winds can sometimes cause a twist of the trunk, leaving dangerous splits and cracks. This typically occurs when the tree's crown is uneven from competition or poor pruning.
Branch Failure: This is the most typical form of damage for trees during storms since tree branches are easy victims of high winds. Branch failure can usually be easily repaired so long as most of the tree crown is still well attached to the trunk. However, dead, broken, or hanging limbs can be dangerous for people and property.
Storm Damage Prevention
It is impossible to fully protect your trees from storms or prevent damage during severe weather events. However, some actions can minimize injury to trees. Some basic elements of good tree care are at the heart of minimizing injury.
Young and newly planted trees
The best preparation starts with young trees. One frequent mistake is staking a newly planted tree when it is not necessary. As they grow, trees develop resilient trunks by swaying in the wind. They do this by developing internal adjustments to the wind with response wood growth.
Proper pruning habits
Pruning helps trees form healthy crowns that are more wind-resistant. This can occur at every stage of the tree's growth. Inspection and corrective pruning for younger trees can build a strong structure as the tree grows larger, while pruning dead, diseased, or poor branch attachments in older trees can keep them healthier and stronger for future storms.
Keeping your trees healthy
A healthy tree is always going to be the best defense against any harm a tree may face in its lifetime. Appropriate watering and fertilization improve root growth and structure, making the tree more stable. Monitoring for pest problems and removing diseased branches as needed can also help minimize the spread and potential damage.
If there are any concerns with your tree's health, it is always in your best interest to call an ISA-certified arborist. We can diagnose complex issues and recommend treatments to prepare your trees for severe weather.
What to do After the Storm
After a storm, your safety is the priority. Stay away from any fallen trees on powerlines or hanging branches. Utility lines should always be considered live and dangerous. Once dangers are cleared, a risk assessment should be done on any trees on your property. Not all trees will need to be pruned or removed; in fact, many will likely require little or no treatment. Risk assessments often benefit from the expertise of an ISA-certified arborist. Their experience, supported by professional credentials, enables them to effectively evaluate tree injuries and determine which should be pruned or removed.
If you are worried about a tree in your yard, click the link below to fill out a form on our website. One of our Certified or Master Arborists will contact you shortly to schedule a visit for a professional tree assessment.
