Protect Your Property Before the Storm Hits – Tree Assessments for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season Is Here—Is Your Property Ready?

As we move into the peak of hurricane season, unpredictable weather can put your home, family, and property at risk. In recent years, storms like Hurricane Helen shifted paths unexpectedly, catching homeowners off guard and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage across North Georgia.

Now is the time to act—not when the winds pick up.

At LS Trees, we offer free professional tree assessments that can help reduce the risk of damage from falling trees and debris. A quick inspection today could save you thousands in emergency repairs tomorrow.

Real Story: Gainesville, GA

During last year’s storm surge from Hurricane Helen, a client in Gainesville had several tall pines around their barn. They’d scheduled an assessment but pushed it back a month. After the storm unexpectedly changed course, two of those pines fell—one damaging a shed, another narrowly missing their home.

We were called in for emergency cleanup and helped them replant safer, smaller ornamental trees afterward. Their advice? “Don’t wait.”

What We Check During a Hurricane Season Tree Assessment:

✅ Leaning trees

A leaning tree can signal a weakened root system or structural imbalance. While some trees naturally lean, a sudden shift or increased tilt can be a red flag. These trees are more likely to fall during strong winds or heavy rain. If they’re near your home, shed, power lines, or fence line, the damage can be severe, and even life-threatening. Catching this early gives you time to brace, trim, or remove the tree safely, before it topples during the next storm.

✅ Cracks or splits in limbs and trunks

Deep cracks or visible splits may indicate internal decay, disease, or lightning damage. They weaken the overall structure of the tree. These weakened limbs can snap off without warning, especially under stress from wind or rain. Cracked trunks can lead to full tree failure. Cracks often worsen over time. Early intervention, through pruning or trimming , can prevent hazardous breakage and save the tree.

✅ Dead or decaying branches

Dead wood is brittle and highly susceptible to snapping. Decay is often a silent issue, only visible through subtle signs like fungus, hollow sounds, or peeling bark. Dead limbs are the first to fall during storms. They can damage your roof, vehicles, or hurt people and pets. Decay can also spread, eventually killing the entire tree. Removing dead or infected limbs early protects your property and prevents diseases from spreading to healthy trees.

✅ Trees too close to your home, shed, barn, or fence line

Trees growing too close to your home, barn, shed, or fences pose multiple threats—from structural damage to pest bridges. Overhanging limbs can scrape roofs, allow pests easy access to attics, and cause gutters to clog. In high winds, these limbs can break and punch through your roofing. Trimming back branches proactively can prevent expensive roof repairs, pest control issues, and keep your insurance coverage intact.

✅ Soil erosion or exposed roots

Exposed roots can indicate root stress or weakening due to soil loss, often caused by heavy rain or poor drainage. Weak roots can’t anchor the tree properly. In hurricane-force winds, even healthy-looking trees can fall if their roots are compromised. Reinforcing root zones and addressing erosion before storms gives the tree a better chance of survival, and reduces the risk of property damage.

✅ Infestations or fungus from heat stress

Trees under heat or storm stress are more susceptible to pests like boring insects or fungi, which further weaken their integrity. Infestations often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Wood-boring insects can hollow out a tree from the inside, making it an invisible hazard. Early treatment or removal of infected trees prevents the issue from spreading to your other trees or landscaping investments.

What’s at Risk?

🏠 Your Roof and Gutters

Falling limbs or entire trees can cause structural damage that may not be covered if insurers deem it preventable. Gutters clogged with debris can lead to water pooling and interior leaks.

🚗 Vehicles and Driveways

A single large branch can destroy a parked car or cause cracks in concrete driveways. Tree sap, seeds, and constant shade can also lead to driveway staining or algae growth.

🐓 Barns and Animal Structures

Falling trees near animal shelters can lead to injury or death of livestock or pets. During Hurricane Helen, we received multiple calls about trees collapsing near backyard coops and barns.

🧱 Fences and Gardens

Storm-damaged trees frequently crush fences and raised beds. Repairing these structures, especially those with sentimental or functional value, can be expensive and time-consuming.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Your Family and Pets

The greatest risk is personal injury. Falling limbs can cause serious harm. By scheduling a professional inspection, you’re protecting those who matter most.

Why Schedule Now?

• Get Ahead of Peak Storms: Gain peace of mind before fall’s heaviest winds arrive. Hurricane activity in Georgia typically ramps up between late August and October. Assessing trees before the worst weather gives you time to prepare safely.

• Beat emergency wait times during peak storm months: Emergency tree removal is often more expensive, dangerous, and rushed. Scheduling now allows for a thorough plan and less stress.

• Ensure Insurance Compliance: Avoid insurance claim denial due to “neglect.” Some homeowners’ insurance policies may deny claims if damage was preventable. A documented inspection can serve as proof you took proper steps.

• Secure a Spot Before We Book Out: As storms increase, so do our emergency calls. Booking your assessment early ensures we can prioritize your property.

FAQs

Q: How much does a tree assessment cost?
A: They’re free! We believe in upfront honesty and service.

Q: Can you remove dangerous trees the same day?
A: If it’s an emergency, absolutely. Otherwise, we’ll schedule you quickly.

Q: I’ve had my trees looked at before, should I do it again?
A: Yes. Even healthy trees change after drought, heat, or heavy storms. Also, if it’s been longer than 6 months or after a bad pop-up storm.

Ready to Schedule?

📞 Call LS Trees today at 770-616-6079 for a free storm-season assessment.