Every year, Missouri Storm Preparedness Week reminds us to prepare for high winds, heavy rain, hail, flooding, and tornadoes. Homeowners stock up on emergency supplies, check their roofs, and secure outdoor furniture—but one major risk often gets overlooked: your trees.
Trees can be one of the biggest hazards in a storm. Weak limbs can break, entire trees can uproot, and falling branches can damage homes, vehicles, and power lines. The good news? Most storm-related tree damage is preventable with proper care and risk assessments.
Why Tree Safety Matters in Storm Season
Trees are an essential part of the environment, but not all trees are storm-ready. Structural weaknesses, poor pruning, and disease can make them vulnerable to extreme weather. When a tree fails, it can cause severe property damage, power outages, and even injuries.
Missouri’s spring and summer bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph in some areas. A tree that seems sturdy can become a serious hazard in high winds, especially if it has hidden damage. Tree safety should be part of every homeowner’s storm preparedness plan.
Pre-Storm Tree Safety: What to Do Before the Storm Hits
Taking preventative measures before storm season is the best way to protect your property and loved ones. Many tree hazards aren’t obvious to the untrained eye, which is why scheduling a Tree Risk Assessment with a certified arborist is crucial.
How a Tree Risk Assessment Helps
A Tree Risk Assessment is a professional evaluation of a tree’s health, structure, and stability. At Cartwright Tree Care, our arborists look for:
- Weak or dead limbs that could break in high winds
- Cracks in the trunk that signal structural instability
- Leaning trees that might be at risk of falling
- Root damage or shallow roots that could lead to uprooting
- Signs of disease or decay that weaken the tree from the inside out
If any issues are found, we recommend solutions such as pruning, cabling, bracing, or removal to eliminate hazards before a storm makes them worse.
DIY Storm-Proofing Tips for Homeowners
While professional inspections are the safest option, homeowners can also take steps to prepare their trees for storm season:
- Check for Dead or Weak Branches – These are the first to break in high winds. If you see branches with no leaves or peeling bark, they may be dead.
- Look for Leaning Trees – If a tree is suddenly leaning more than before, it could have root damage or be structurally weak.
- Trim Overgrown Branches – Branches that extend over your home, driveway, or power lines should be trimmed back.
- Examine the Base of the Tree – Fungi or mushrooms growing at the base may indicate internal decay, weakening the tree’s structure.
- Mulch & Water Properly – Trees with strong, deep roots are less likely to uproot. Adding mulch around the base and deep watering during dry spells helps maintain stability.
During the Storm: Stay Safe & Monitor Damage
Once a storm hits, your safety comes first. Never go outside during high winds to check on trees—falling branches can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
After the storm passes, do a visual inspection from a safe distance. If a tree or limb has fallen onto your house, power lines, or driveway, call a professional immediately.
Post-Storm Tree Inspection: What to Do After the Storm
Once it’s safe to go outside, do a careful post-storm tree inspection to check for new hazards. Some damage is obvious, while other risks—like internal cracks or loosened roots—might not be immediately visible.
Signs of a Tree Emergency After a Storm:
- Large branches hanging or partially broken
- Trees that have shifted or uprooted from strong winds
- Splits or cracks in the trunk
- Exposed or lifted roots
- Bark stripped away from lightning strikes
If you notice any of these warning signs, call Cartwright Tree Care’s Emergency Tree Services right away. Attempting to remove large fallen branches yourself can be dangerous. Our certified arborists have the proper equipment to safely remove hazardous trees and prevent further damage.
Why You Should Never Ignore Storm-Damaged Trees
Many homeowners think, “My tree survived the storm, so it must be fine.” But storm damage can weaken a tree over time, increasing the risk of failure during the next storm.
For example, a branch that’s cracked but still attached may eventually fall days or weeks later—even in calm weather. Similarly, a tree that’s leaning slightly now might not fall immediately but could be significantly weakened and more vulnerable to the next round of high winds.
Storm-damaged trees should always be assessed by a professional to determine whether they need trimming, bracing, or full removal.
Why Choose Cartwright Tree Care for Storm Safety?
At Cartwright Tree Care, we’ve been helping Kansas City homeowners protect their trees for over 25 years. Our team of certified arborists specializes in:
✔️ Tree Risk Assessments – Identifying potential hazards before storms strike
✔️ Professional Pruning & Trimming – Strengthening trees to withstand high winds
✔️ Emergency Tree Removal – 24/7 storm response to remove fallen trees and branches
✔️ Cabling & Bracing – Supporting weak trees to prevent storm-related damage
✔️ Preventative Tree Care – Keeping your trees healthy year-round to reduce risk
We also offer flexible financing options so you can get the tree care you need without financial stress.
📅 Don’t wait for the next big storm—schedule a FREE Tree Risk Assessment today! Call 816-965-6758 to book your appointment.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home, Protect Your Trees
Missouri’s storm season is unpredictable, but you can control how prepared you are. Trees that are properly maintained and storm-proofed are far less likely to become hazards.
Take action now:
✔️ Inspect your trees before storm season
✔️ Remove weak or hazardous branches
✔️ Schedule a professional risk assessment
✔️ Know who to call for emergency storm cleanup
Your trees are a valuable part of your landscape—but only if they’re safe. Make tree care a priority this Missouri Storm Preparedness Week! 🌳⛈️
📞 Call 816-965-6758 to book your FREE risk assessment today!