Spring storm season brings strong winds and heavy rains to Northern California. Now is the perfect time to prepare your trees and yard to withstand these storms and prevent damage to your property.
Assess Your Trees
Hire a Professional Inspection
Have a professional tree care specialist inspect your trees for potential problems:
- Dead branches that could fall
- Weak branch attachments
- Trees with structural issues
- Signs of disease or pest damage
- Leaning trees that might fail
Look for Warning Signs
- Dead branches or entire branches without leaves
- Cracks or splits in the trunk
- Loose or peeling bark
- Fungal growth or mushrooms at the base
- Trees leaning significantly
Prune Trees Properly
Remove Dead Branches
Dead branches are the most likely to fall during storms. Remove them completely, not just part of the way.
Thin Dense Canopies
A dense canopy catches more wind and is more likely to break. Professional thinning:
- Improves wind resistance
- Increases light penetration
- Reduces stress on branches
- Improves tree health
Reduce Overhanging Branches
Branches hanging over your home are a major storm risk:
- Trim them back away from your roof
- Remove branches touching your house
- Cut back any over power lines (call your utility first)
Remove Problem Trees
If you have dead, dying, or hazardous trees:
- Schedule removal before storm season
- Don't wait for a storm to create an emergency
- Removal is less costly than emergency removal and property damage
Maintain Storm Drains and Gutters
- Clean gutters of leaves and debris
- Ensure storm drains are clear
- Grade your yard to drain away from your house
- Remove leaves from your yard (they can pile against your home and damage it)
Prepare Your Property
Secure Loose Items
- Bring in outdoor furniture and decorations
- Secure trash cans
- Stake plants and smaller trees
- Trim bushes away from windows
Plan Your Response
- Know where the shut-offs are for utilities
- Plan your evacuation route
- Have emergency contacts ready
- Keep your arborist's emergency number handy
Create a Safety Zone
- Remove branches overhanging patios or decks
- Thin trees near driveways (so branches don't fall on cars)
- Clear branches from property lines
- Remove trees growing too close to structures
Before Storm Season Arrives
Schedule your tree inspection and maintenance now:
- Call for a free assessment
- Get recommendations for necessary work
- Schedule trimming and removals before spring storms
- Ask about emergency services availability
Spring is an ideal time for tree work because:
- Trees are beginning active growth and heal quickly
- Winter storms have already shown us potential problems
- You can see the branch structure without leaves
- It's still early enough before peak storm season
Don't wait for storms to damage your property. Call Capital Tree Service for a professional tree assessment and storm preparation plan.