Key Takeaways
- Prevention is much cheaper than cleanup—regular maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs from falling trees and branches.
- Canopy thinning reduces storm damage risk by allowing wind to pass through rather than against dense foliage that acts like a sail.
- Focus on high-risk areas first—prioritize branches over roofs, driveways, and power lines, plus remove dead limbs and weak attachments.
- Some trees need removal for safety—leaning trees, trunk cracks, or large dead sections may be too risky to keep.
- Year-round care beats last-minute scrambling—annual inspections and regular maintenance create stronger, more resilient trees.
Summer in Georgia is beautiful. Long days, backyard barbecues, kids playing outside until the streetlights come on. But if you’ve lived here long, you know that summer also means storms. And when those thunderstorms roll through with their high winds and heavy rain, the trees in your yard can go from beautiful shade providers to potential hazards pretty quickly.
If you’ve got big trees around your house, you’ve probably wondered about this. Are they safe? What happens if that big oak near the driveway comes down? It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never have to deal with, but it’s worth thinking about before the next storm hits.
Why Getting Ahead of Storm Season Matters
Trees are amazing. They give us shade, clean the air, and make our neighborhoods beautiful. But in severe weather, they can become serious problems. Strong winds can snap branches or topple entire trees, potentially damaging your house, your car, or worse.
According to the National Storm Damage Center, falling trees and branches cause over a billion dollars in property damage every year across the country. The frustrating part? A lot of these incidents could have been prevented with some planning ahead.
Here in the Southeast, our summer storms can be intense and come up fast. That’s why it makes sense to take a look at your yard now, while the weather’s calm, rather than waiting until you’re dealing with a tree across your driveway.
What to Look For in Your Yard
Before you can do anything about potential problems, you need to know what you’re looking for. Some tree issues are obvious, but others aren’t so clear unless you know what to watch for.
Red flags to keep an eye on:
Dead or dying branches that look like they could come down with the next strong wind.
Trees that are leaning more than they used to, especially if you can see roots starting to lift.
Big trees that are really close to your house, your neighbor’s house, or power lines.
Cracks in tree trunks or places where branches split off that don’t look quite right.
Even trees that look perfectly healthy can have problems you can’t see from the ground. Root rot, internal decay, or pest damage can weaken a tree without obvious external signs. That’s why it’s often worth having someone who knows trees take a look if you’re concerned.
Thinning Out Tree Canopies: Less is Sometimes More
One of the best things you can do to help your trees weather storms is something called canopy thinning. It sounds fancy, but the idea is pretty straightforward.
When a tree has really dense foliage, it acts like a big sail in the wind. The more leaves and branches there are to catch the wind, the more likely the tree is to get pushed over or have branches snap off. By selectively removing some branches, you let the wind pass through more easily instead of pushing against a solid wall of leaves.
Why this helps:
The tree is less likely to get blown over because wind can move through it instead of against it.
Individual branches are less likely to break because there’s less weight and wind pressure on them.
The tree actually ends up healthier because air and light can circulate better.
Research from the University of Florida found that trees with well-maintained, properly thinned canopies were much more likely to survive hurricanes and severe storms compared to trees that hadn’t been maintained.
Strategic Trimming: Getting Rid of Problem Areas
Beyond general canopy thinning, there are specific areas you want to focus on when preparing for storm season.
Priority areas for trimming:
Any branches hanging over your roof or driveway. These are the ones most likely to cause expensive damage if they come down.
Branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing over. These weak spots tend to break first in storms.
Anything near power lines. Though you’ll want to call your utility company about these rather than trying to handle them yourself.
Branches with weird angles or weak attachment points. If a branch looks like it’s barely hanging on, it probably is.
The goal is to eliminate the obvious trouble spots before Mother Nature does it for you in the worst possible way.
When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Tree
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a tree just isn’t safe to keep around. It’s never an easy decision, especially if it’s a tree you’ve grown to love, but sometimes removal is the safest option.
Signs it might be time for removal:
The tree is leaning more each year, especially if you can see soil lifting around the roots.
There are big cracks in the trunk that seem to be getting worse.
Large sections of the tree are dead or obviously diseased.
The tree is interfering with your house’s foundation or roof.
Every tree expert will tell you that removal should be a last resort, but when safety is at stake, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
When Storms Strike: Emergency Response
Even with the best preparation, storms can be unpredictable. Sometimes trees come down despite all your planning, and when that happens, you need help fast.
Whether it’s a tree blocking your driveway, leaning against your house, or tangled up in power lines, these situations need to be handled quickly and safely. Many tree care companies offer 24-hour emergency services for exactly these situations.
The key is having a plan before you need it. Know who to call, and don’t try to handle dangerous situations yourself. A tree that’s already down can still be very dangerous, especially if there are power lines involved.
Building a Year-Round Tree Care Plan
Storm preparation shouldn’t be something you think about once a year when the weather starts getting rough. The healthiest, safest trees are the ones that get regular attention throughout the year.
A good tree care routine includes:
Having a tree professional look at your property annually to spot potential issues early.
Regular trimming to keep growth manageable and remove problem branches.
Taking care of the soil around your trees so they develop strong, healthy root systems.
Proper watering and mulching, especially during dry spells that can stress trees.
A specific storm season check-up in late spring or early summer.
Regular maintenance is almost always cheaper than emergency cleanup, and it keeps your trees healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Peace of Mind is Worth the Investment
Nobody wants to spend their summer worrying about what might happen in the next storm. By taking some time now to assess your trees, handle obvious problems, and make a plan for the future, you can relax and enjoy your yard instead of constantly worrying about it.
Storm season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right help when you need it, you can protect your home and keep your trees healthy for years to come.
At VMG Tree Care, we’ve been helping Georgia homeowners prepare for and recover from storms for over 30 years. Whether you need a professional assessment, routine maintenance, or emergency help, we’re here to help you keep your property safe and beautiful.
Ready to get your yard storm-ready? Give us a call at 404-456-6794 for a consultation. Let’s make sure you’re prepared for whatever this summer brings.
