Living in a storm-prone region like Houston means taking proactive steps to protect your property and trees from hurricane damage. Storms can cause significant harm to trees and increase the risk of falling limbs, uprooted trunks, and damage to nearby structures.
To prepare, start with regular inspections, plant native storm-resistant species such as live oaks and palms, prune overgrown limbs, and support young or vulnerable trees. After the storm, assess damage, remove hazards, avoid harmful practices like tree topping, and consider replacing fallen trees with native varieties that offer better storm resistance.
Pre-Storm Inspections and Pruning
Routine inspections are one of the most effective ways to prepare your landscape for extreme weather. Working with a trained tree care professional ensures early detection of issues such as trunk or limb cracks, root damage, pest infestations, or excessive leaning. Removing girdling roots can also strengthen trees and reduce the risk of failure.
Early identification gives you time to act before storms arrive. Strategic pruning improves wind resistance and reduces the likelihood of branches snapping or trees uprooting during high winds. Removing dead or weakened limbs helps minimize the risk of falling debris causing injuries or property damage.
Professionals also perform canopy thinning to reduce wind resistance. This technique involves removing selective branches to allow wind to pass more easily through the tree, lowering the chances of structural failure during a storm.
Signs a Tree May Not Survive a Storm
Recognizing early warning signs can help prevent injuries and costly damage. Trees that are suddenly or severely leaning, especially if they are angled toward homes, power lines, or driveways, should be inspected immediately.
Hollow or decaying trunks, visible cracks, or large dead limbs indicate a higher risk of breakage. Pest and disease damage also weakens trees, making them more vulnerable in a storm.
Watch for mushrooms or fungal growth at the base of the tree, which may suggest root rot. Exposed roots or mounded soil near the base often point to poor root anchorage, another warning sign of instability.
Post-Storm Tree Damage Assessment
After a storm, it is critical to have a professional assess your trees for hidden structural damage. Strong winds can compromise a tree’s integrity in ways that are not immediately obvious.
Professionals check for trunk cracks, split branches, leaning postures, exposed or lifted roots, and soggy or disturbed soil. A full canopy inspection can also reveal defoliation, broken limbs, or missing sections.
If a tree has lost too much foliage, it may struggle to recover. In some cases, it is best to remove the tree entirely. Younger trees, however, may be replanted if the damage is manageable.
Emergency Tree Services and Debris Removal
Prompt response after a storm is essential to ensure safety and restore accessibility. Monster Tree Service offers affordable emergency tree services and is available 24/7 to assist Gulf Coast residents.
Our storm response team handles:
Broken or fallen limb removal
Hazardous tree mitigation
Clearing of driveways and blocked access points
Our crew removes large fallen trees and debris quickly and safely. We specialize in carefully dismantling trees or limbs that have fallen on roofs, fences, or vehicles without causing further damage.
We also perform emergency pruning and risk assessments to identify remaining hazards after a storm.
Long-Term Recovery and Restoration Plans
Once cleanup is complete, continued maintenance plays a vital role in recovery. Monster Tree Service offers post-storm care to restore tree health and build long-term resilience.
Storms often leave open wounds that make trees vulnerable to pests, disease, or decay. Our team provides targeted pruning to smooth jagged breaks and treat exposed areas to prevent infection and promote healing.
We also offer deep soil management services including fertilization and decompaction. These practices enhance soil quality and ensure nutrients reach the root system to support healthy regrowth.
For trees with split trunks or weakened limbs, we provide structural support through cabling and bracing. Regular follow-ups help monitor recovery progress and keep your trees strong season after season.
Protect Your Trees Year-Round with Monster Tree
Monster Tree Service is proud to serve the Houston and Texas Gulf Coast region with reliable, professional tree care year-round. Our experienced team is prepared to help before and after major storms, including hurricane season, floods, and sudden summer storms.
Prepare with confidence and recover with care. Contact us today! Request a custom storm care plan or emergency response service at an affordable rate. We are here to help your landscape stay safe, healthy, and storm-ready.