The sound of wind howling and rain lashing against the windows is a familiar soundtrack to storm season in the UK. While we can secure our homes and stay indoors, the trees on our property are left to face the full force of the gale. A mature tree can withstand incredible pressure, but every year, severe weather brings down countless branches and even entire trees, causing significant property damage and posing a serious risk to life.
Preparation is the best defense. Being proactive about tree care before a storm hits is far safer and more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a fallen tree. Many of the most catastrophic failures are preventable with a trained eye and timely intervention. At SWS Countryside, we help property owners transition from a reactive to a proactive mindset, safeguarding their homes and landscapes against the worst of the weather.
This guide provides practical steps you can take to protect your trees and property during storm season, highlighting why professional assessment is a crucial part of any storm-readiness plan.
1. Conduct a Pre-Storm Tree Assessment
The first and most critical step is to know what you are dealing with. A healthy, well-structured tree is surprisingly resilient. A compromised tree, however, is a disaster waiting to happen. It is essential to inspect your trees regularly, especially in the lead-up to the stormiest months.
What to Look For from the Ground:
You don’t need to be an arborist to spot some common red flags. Walk around your property and look for:
- Dead or Broken Branches: These are often the first to fail in high winds. They may appear discolored, lack bark, or have no buds in the growing season.
- Cracks and Splits: Look for deep cracks in the trunk or on major limbs. Vertical cracks can indicate structural instability.
- Leaning: A sudden or significant lean can signal root failure or an unstable trunk. Check the ground around the base for heaving soil, which is a sign the roots are pulling up.
- Decay: Cavities, hollows, or large areas of soft, crumbly wood are signs of decay. Fungal growth, like large mushrooms on the trunk or roots, is another major indicator.
- Weak Branch Attachments: Look for branches that join the trunk with a tight, V-shaped angle rather than a broader, U-shape. These unions are inherently weak and prone to splitting.
The Importance of a Professional Inspection
While a homeowner can spot obvious issues, a certified arborist sees much more. They are trained to identify subtle signs of stress, disease, and internal decay that are invisible to the untrained eye. A professional inspection provides a comprehensive risk assessment, prioritizing which trees need immediate attention and which can be safely left. This expert evaluation is the foundation of an effective storm preparation strategy.
2. Strategic Pruning to Reduce Risk
Pruning is not just about aesthetics; it is a vital tool for making trees more storm-resistant. The goal is to reduce the “sail effect”—the resistance a tree presents to the wind.
Crown Thinning
This technique involves selectively removing branches throughout the canopy. It is a bit like opening windows in a wall. By creating channels for the wind to pass through, you drastically reduce the pressure on the trunk and root system. A properly thinned tree is far less likely to be uprooted or suffer major limb failure. This is a surgical procedure that requires a deep understanding of tree biology and should only be performed by a qualified professional.
Crown Cleaning and Deadwooding
This is the process of removing all dead, dying, and broken branches from the tree. It is the most basic and effective form of storm-proofing. A single falling branch can crush a car, puncture a roof, or cause serious injury. Removing this deadwood before a storm eliminates the most predictable failures.
Crown Reduction
For trees with long, heavy branches that overextend, a crown reduction can be beneficial. This involves carefully reducing the length of these branches back to a suitable side branch, which lessens the weight and leverage on the limb. This is a highly skilled task and should never be confused with “topping,” a destructive practice that indiscriminately cuts branches, leading to weak regrowth and future hazards.
3. Secure Your Property and Surroundings
Beyond the trees themselves, take time to prepare the rest of your property.
- Clear Gutters and Drains: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof or foundation. Ensure they are clear of leaves and debris so they can handle heavy rainfall.
- Secure Loose Items: Items like garden furniture, trampolines, and potted plants can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Store them in a shed or garage, or secure them firmly.
- Check on Young Trees: Recently planted trees may not have established a strong root system yet. Ensure their stakes and ties are secure to provide support against the wind without girdling the trunk.
4. Know Who to Call in an Emergency
Even with the best preparation, storms can be unpredictable. Sometimes, trees fail despite our best efforts. In this situation, safety is the number one priority.
If a Tree Falls
- Assess the Immediate Danger: Is the tree on a power line? Is it blocking a public road? Is it resting unstably on your house?
- Stay Away from Power Lines: If a tree or branch has fallen on a power line, assume it is live. Do not approach it. Contact your electricity provider immediately.
- Contact a Professional Emergency Tree Service: A fallen tree is under immense and unpredictable tension. Attempting to cut or move it yourself is extremely dangerous. Professional tree surgeons have the training and equipment to dismantle a fallen tree safely and methodically.
Save Our Number
Have the number for a trusted, 24/7 emergency tree service saved in your phone before you need it. Scrambling to find a reputable company in the middle of a storm is stressful and can lead to poor choices. SWS Countryside offers a responsive emergency call-out service to handle storm-related damage safely and efficiently.
Partner with SWS Countryside for Peace of Mind
The time to prepare for a storm is when the sun is shining. By investing in a professional tree assessment and strategic pruning, you are investing in the safety of your family and the protection of your most valuable asset—your home. Don’t wait for the weather warning to be issued.
The expert team at SWS Countryside is here to help you get your property storm-ready. We offer comprehensive tree risk assessments, professional pruning services, and a reliable 24/7 emergency response.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your property is prepared for whatever the weather throws at it.
- Call us at 07708 966304 or 01732 387317.
- Email us at info@swscountryside.co.uk.
Stay safe this storm season with proactive care from SWS Countryside.
