Is Your Property Storm-Ready? 6 Ways to Prepare Your Trees Before the Next Big Storm
In North Georgia, hurricane season doesn’t just mean wind and rain. It means real risks to your home, property, and peace of mind. If it's a tropical storm drifting inland or sudden high winds from a summer thunderstorm, your trees are the first line of defense, or the first to cause damage.
At LS Trees, we specialize in proactive tree care and risk reduction. With decades of experience serving Cumming, GA, and surrounding areas, we’ve seen firsthand how regular maintenance can prevent thousands of dollars in storm damage.
Here are six tree-focused steps you can take right now to make sure your property is storm-ready.
1. Inspect for Weak or Overgrown Limbs
The most common cause of storm damage isn’t uprooted trees, it’s falling limbs. Overextended, dead, or weakened branches can snap under pressure from wind or heavy rain and land on roofs, cars, fences, or worse.
A single limb crashing onto your roof can cost thousands in repairs. And insurance doesn’t always cover it, especially if it’s deemed neglect.
Our certified arborists perform a full canopy check to identify branches at risk. We then remove or reduce weight from overextended limbs using safe, professional equipment.
2. Check for Tree Lean and Trunk Integrity
Is that tree leaning a little more than it used to? It might not be your imagination. Trees that lean suddenly or significantly, especially with exposed roots, can be at risk of falling during high winds. Cracks or cavities in the trunk also compromise the tree’s ability to withstand stress.
At LS Trees, we assess each tree’s structural integrity and root anchoring. If a tree poses a risk to your home, family, or neighbor’s property, we’ll talk you through removal or bracing options.
3. Clear Out Deadwood and Debris
Dead branches, stumps, and overgrowth aren’t just an eyesore, they become projectiles during storms. Flying branches or falling deadwood can break windows, damage cars, or injure someone.
We clear out dangerous deadwood and undergrowth to keep your yard clean and storm-safe.
4. Assess Trees Near Power Lines, Rooflines, and Structures
Storms and trees don’t mix well with power lines, roofs, and outdoor structures. If a tree is growing too close, it’s a hazard. Trees interfering with power lines are a fire hazard and often require urgent professional care. Those brushing against roofs can cause long-term water damage or leaks.
We specialize in tight-area trimming and hazardous removals using cranes and equipment designed for precise, damage-free work.
5. Schedule a Tree Health Check for Insects and Disease
Weak trees are more likely to break during storms, especially if they’re already battling decay, fungi, or pests. Tree decay often starts from the inside out. Without a professional assessment, you might not notice until it’s too late.
Our team checks for signs of boreholes, fungus, leaf discoloration, and root rot. If caught early, treatments or targeted pruning may save the tree, and protect your property.
6. Create a Long-Term Tree Management Plan
Storm prep isn’t just a one-time job, it’s part of responsible property ownership. Consistent care keeps trees healthy, manageable, and safe year-round. Neglected trees can quickly grow into hazards.
We build custom plans for your property that include seasonal trimming, risk assessment, and future planting strategies to reduce storm vulnerability.
Hurricane Season Is Here - Why You Shouldn’t Wait
We all remember Hurricane Helene in Georgia last year. A storm that shifted overnight and caught many homeowners off guard. The storm’s change in direction caused significant, unexpected damage, uprooting trees and knocking out power across neighborhoods that thought they were out of the danger zone.
Lessons learned? Storms don’t wait, and you shouldn’t either. A simple inspection now could prevent thousands in damage later.
Real Story: Cumming, GA
One of our recent clients in Cumming scheduled a fall assessment just in time. We found a diseased oak tree leaning over their driveway. Two weeks later, high winds from a tropical storm swept through. That same oak would have landed on their car if it hadn’t been removed by our crew days earlier.
FAQs: Storm Prep Tree Services
Q: How do I know if a tree is storm-ready?
A: Look for signs of decay, dead limbs, overgrowth, or leaning. Or better yet, let us check for you.
Q: When is the best time to prepare?
A: Right now. Hurricane season peaks between August and October in Georgia.
Q: Do you work on lakefront or tight-access properties?
A: Yes! We have cranes and specialized equipment for waterfront or hard-to-reach areas.
Q: What if my trees look healthy?
A: Great! We'll give you peace of mind and let you know when to check again.
Don’t Wait Until the Damage Is Done
At LS Trees, our mission is simple: protect your property like it’s our own. With every assessment, we bring experience, precision, and care to ensure your trees are safe, before the next storm rolls in.
📞 Call us today at (770) 616-6079 or book your free storm-prep tree assessment to safeguard what matters most.