Tips for Keeping Your Trees Safe in Storm Season

Oklahoma’s storm season brings strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and even ice, putting trees—and your property—at risk. Without proper care, trees can become hazards, causing broken limbs, uprooted trunks, and costly damage to homes, vehicles, and power lines.

The good news? Proactive tree maintenance can significantly reduce storm damage. In this guide, we’ll cover the best practices for protecting your trees before, during, and after storm season.

1. Prune & Trim for Storm Resistance

Proper pruning reduces wind resistance and removes weak branches before they become dangerous projectiles.

✔️ Trim dead or weak branches that are at risk of breaking.
✔️ Thin out dense tree canopies to allow wind to pass through, reducing stress on branches.
✔️ Raise low-hanging branches to keep them from scraping roofs or power lines.
✔️ Prune young trees properly so they grow with a strong structure.

💡 Best Time to Prune: Late fall or winter, when trees are dormant and can heal properly before storm season.

2. Check for Tree Health & Stability

Not all tree damage is visible—some issues weaken trees from the inside out.

✔️ Look for cracks or splits in trunks or major limbs.
✔️ Check for hollow or rotting areas, which indicate internal decay.
✔️ Inspect the base for exposed roots or signs of leaning.
✔️ Watch for fungal growth, which can signal disease or decay.

💡 Pro Tip: If you notice major cracks, decay, or a leaning tree, call a professional for an assessment before the next big storm.

3. Secure Young or Weak Trees

Newly planted trees and trees with weaker root systems are more vulnerable to high winds.

✔️ Use stakes for young trees to keep them stable until roots fully establish.
✔️ Mulch around the base to retain moisture and improve root strength.
✔️ Avoid overwatering—trees with overly wet soil are more likely to uproot.

💡 Best Trees for Oklahoma Storms: Redbud, Bald Cypress, Bur Oak, and Lacebark Elm are all wind-resistant choices that stand up to Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather.

4. Protect Trees During a Storm

✔️ Move outdoor furniture, grills, or anything that could hit the tree.
✔️ Avoid parking cars under trees—even strong trees can drop limbs in severe storms.
✔️ Reinforce loose branches with soft ties to prevent snapping.
✔️ If you have a tree at risk of falling, keep a safe distance and call a professional.

💡 Pro Tip: If a storm is coming, avoid fertilizing trees beforehand—it encourages weak new growth that is more susceptible to breakage.

5. Post-Storm Tree Care: What to Do After Severe Weather

After a storm, inspect your trees for damage and hazards.

✔️ Check for broken or hanging branches—these should be removed ASAP.
✔️ Look for leaning trees—this could mean root failure.
✔️ Assess for split trunks—if more than 50% of the canopy is gone, the tree may not survive.
✔️ Clean up debris carefully—broken limbs can be unpredictable.

💡 When to Call a Pro: If a tree is leaning dangerously, has major structural damage, or is near power lines, don’t risk it—call an expert for safe removal.

Final Thoughts: Storm-Ready Trees Save You Money & Stress

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in protecting your property from costly storm damage. Keeping your trees healthy, well-pruned, and structurally strong ensures they can withstand high winds and extreme weather.

📍 Need professional tree trimming or storm damage cleanup in Norman or Oklahoma City? Contact us today for expert tree care!