Is Your Property Hurricane Ready? Why Late Summer Is the Best Time for a Tree Assessment in North Georgia
While most people are soaking up the last days of summer, homeowners in North Georgia should be thinking about one more thing: hurricane season.
Late summer marks the beginning of the most active stretch of hurricane activity across the Southeast. And while North Georgia may not be coastal, we're no stranger to the dangerous wind, rain, and storm aftermath that hurricanes leave in their wake.
If you haven’t had your property inspected this year, now is the time. At LS Trees, we offer free tree assessments to help you catch risks before they turn into damage. Because when storm season hits, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard.
A Wake-Up Call from Hurricane Helen
Take last year’s Hurricane Helen as an example. What was expected to be a minor event quickly shifted course, bringing powerful winds, flash flooding, and tree damage to parts of North Georgia. In a matter of hours, what seemed like a distant coastal storm turned into a local disaster.
We received dozens of emergency calls that week: trees on homes, blocked driveways, cracked trunks near barns and sheds. Many homeowners told us they wished they had scheduled an inspection sooner.
Real Story: Emergency Removal Saves Milton Barn and Animals
Earlier this year in Milton, GA, we responded to a call after a large pine was struck by lightning. It had cracked and was leaning toward a nearby barn with animals around it.
The owner had planned to schedule a tree check but kept putting it off. We arrived the same afternoon, removed the compromised tree safely, and preserved both the structure and the animals. It was a close call and a perfect example of why waiting too long isn’t worth the risk.
What a Late-Summer Tree Assessment Includes
Tree assessments aren’t just about pruning or trimming. They’re about prevention, peace of mind, and protecting the things you care most about.
When we inspect your property, here’s what we look for:
Storm vulnerability – Are any trees leaning, cracked, or overgrown near structures or power lines?
Root and soil health – Is erosion, drought, or poor drainage making trees unstable?
Structural risks – Are branches hanging over your roof, play area, vehicles, or garden?
Pests and disease – Signs of fungus, boreholes, or decay can make a tree more likely to fail in high wind.
Debris hazards – Weak limbs and dead wood are more likely to snap in a storm.
What’s Really at Risk?
It’s not just about branches breaking, it’s about what those branches could land on. Here’s what’s most commonly at risk on North Georgia properties:
🏠 Roofs and attics, especially in older homes or those with overhanging limbs
🛠 Barns, sheds, and workshops that house tools, animals, or equipment
🚗 Driveways and cars parked under or near large trees
🧱 Fences, gardens, and irrigation systems vulnerable to falling limbs
👨👩👧👦 People and pets in the yard when storms roll through
⚡ Power and utility lines causing outages, putting your day further behind
Why You Should Act Before Peak Hurricane Season
Hurricane season peaks from August to October, meaning now is your best window to get ahead of any issues. Trees that look healthy from the outside may still be hiding internal damage from summer heat or storms.
By scheduling a free late-summer tree assessment, you can:
✔️ Prevent tree-related storm damage
✔️ Protect your family, property, and investments
✔️ Avoid insurance claim denials due to lack of maintenance
✔️ Plan ahead for trimming, pruning, or removal needs
✔️ Save money on costly emergency services later
How We Work at LS Trees
We’re not just a service, we’re your neighbor. LS Trees is a family-owned business with over 15 years of hands-on experience in Cumming and throughout North Georgia. We don’t use subcontractors, and we treat every property like our own.
Our assessments are free, fast, and thorough. We’ll walk your entire yard, inspect each tree, and explain any concerns clearly with no pressure.
FAQs: Tree Assessments and Hurricane Prep
Q: What does a free assessment include?
A walk-through of your property, tree-by-tree, with expert insight into safety, stability, and potential storm issues.
Q: Do you offer emergency services?
Yes. If we identify something urgent, or if you call us after a storm, we’ll move fast to keep your property safe.
Q: What areas do you serve?
Cumming, Dawsonville, Milton, Gainesville, Lake Lanier, and all surrounding North Georgia communities.
Q: Will you recommend trimming or removal?
Only if necessary. In many cases, proper pruning or soil care is all that’s needed.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Hurricane season doesn’t give you a warning. But you can prepare. A free tree assessment from LS Trees is your first step to protecting your home, your family, and your future from unexpected storm damage.
📞 Call (770) 616-6079 today to schedule your tree check.
Let’s make sure your yard is ready before the next storm hits.