7 Ways to Protect Your Trees from Winston-Salem’s Storms

Spring is off to a rocky start in Winston-Salem this year, with severe weather systems already bringing high winds, heavy rain, and even tornado watches to our area. These early storms serve as a timely reminder: spring storm season is here (hurricane season is just right around the corner) and your trees need protection.

This guide will give you seven steps you can take right now to protect your trees and property before the next storm rolls into town.

Key Takeaways:

• Winston-Salem’s storm season brings dangerous weather threats like high winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes, making proactive tree care essential for property protection.
• Prioritizing high-risk trees near homes, vehicles, and power lines helps prevent costly storm damage and safety hazards.
• Scheduling a professional inspection and removing dead or weak branches now can dramatically reduce the chances of tree failure during severe weather.
• Tree support systems like cabling and bracing, proper mulching, and addressing drainage issues strengthen tree structure and root stability before storms strike.
• Having an emergency response plan and a trusted tree care provider on call ensures faster recovery when storms inevitably cause damage.

Why Storm Preparation Matters for Trees in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem’s unique location within the Piedmont Triad means we face diverse weather threats throughout the year. Spring brings unpredictable weather patterns including:

• Powerful thunderstorms with damaging straight-line winds
• Heavy rain leading to saturated soil, weakened root systems, and potentially root rot
• Hail that can damage bark and leaves
• Occasional tornado activity

Right after we get done with spring storms, we also see occasional Atlantic hurricanes that can bring sustained high winds and torrential rainfall. Being prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store is essential for protecting your property investment and safety.

7 Ways to Protect Your Trees Before the Next Storm

Spring storms don’t wait—and neither should you. Before the next round of high winds or heavy rain hits Winston-Salem, take action to protect your trees and everything beneath them. These 7 expert recommendations can help prevent costly damage, improve tree stability, and give you peace of mind when the weather turns ugly.

1. Identify and Protect High-Value Targets

Not all trees pose equal risk during storms. Take inventory of trees that could potentially damage:

• Your home or other structures
• Vehicles
• Power and utility lines
• Play areas for children
• Neighboring properties

Prioritize inspections and maintenance for these trees first, as they represent your biggest potential for storm related losses.

2. Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection

The most important step in storm preparation is identifying potential hazards before they become problems. A professional tree inspection from a Certified Arborist can spot issues that most homeowners might miss.

During an inspection, our arborist looks for:

• Dead or decaying branches that could become projectiles in high winds
• Structural weaknesses in main trunks or major limbs
• Signs of disease or pest infestation that weaken trees
• Root problems that might compromise stability
• Proximity issues with structures, power lines, or other vulnerable targets

Early identification of these issues gives you time to address them before storm season intensifies. Most homeowners are surprised to discover potential hazards, like dead branches, that they’ve walked past hundreds of times without noticing.

3. Prune and Remove Deadwood

Once potential hazards are identified, strategic pruning is your next line of defense. Dead, dying, or damaged branches are the most likely to fail during storms. These should be removed promptly by professionals who understand proper cutting techniques.

As temperatures rise in Winston-Salem, common tree pests begin to emerge. While extensive pruning isn’t generally recommended during spring and summer to control the spread of tree diseases and pests, pruning to remove hazardous branches is always recommended as soon as possible, regardless of the season. Safety always comes first!

Structural pruning may also be recommended to:

• Improve branch spacing and attachment
• Create a stronger central leader
• Reduce end weight on extended limbs
• Thin the canopy to decrease wind resistance

4. Consider Cabling and Bracing for Vulnerable Trees

Some trees, especially those with co-dominant stems (multiple main trunks) or V-shaped crotches, benefit from structural support systems like cabling and bracing.

These professional installations help:

• Redistribute weight loads during high winds
• Provide support for structurally compromised trees
• Reduce the risk of catastrophic failures of valuable trees
• Extend the life of historic or sentimental trees

While not every tree is a candidate for these systems, they can be an excellent option for preserving important landscape features that might otherwise need removal.

5. Mulch Properly to Protect Root Systems

Healthy roots are your tree’s foundation during storms. Proper mulching supports root health by:

• Regulating soil temperature and moisture
• Reducing competition for valuable nutrients from grass and weeds
• Preventing soil compaction
• Protecting roots from mechanical damage

Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch in a ring around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk itself. Extend the mulch ring to the tree’s drip line when possible.

Avoid “volcano mulching,” or piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause decay and create a habitat for pests and diseases.

6. Address Soil and Drainage Issues

Water-saturated soil is a major factor in tree failures during storms. Trees with compromised root systems due to poor drainage are more likely to topple when winds pick up.

Consider these solutions if your property has drainage problems:

• Create swales or channels to direct water away from valuable trees
• Install French drains for severe issues
• Amend soil in poorly draining areas
• Consult with professionals about grading issues

For trees in compacted soil, air spading may be recommended to improve overall tree health and root growth potential.

7: Have an Emergency Response Plan in Place

Despite your best preparation efforts, severe storms may still cause damage. Having a plan in place before disaster strikes can minimize the impact. Your emergency tree plan should include:

• Contact information for Godspeed Tree Service’s 24/7 emergency response team: 336-399-8348
• Photos of your property and trees before storm season to support insurance claims
• Understanding of your homeowner’s insurance coverage for tree damage
• Backup power options if fallen trees may affect utility lines on your property
• A safe place to relocate, if necessary, during cleanup operations

Remember, after a major storm, tree service companies are extremely busy. Having an established relationship with a reputable company like Godspeed can make a significant difference in response time.

FAQs About Storm Prep for Trees

How do I know if my trees are at risk during storms?

To determine which trees are at risk, look for warning signs like dead branches, cracks in the trunk, leaning, fungal growth, or previous storm damage. However, many serious issues aren’t visible to most homeowners, which is why a professional assessment is recommended.

How far in advance should I prepare my trees for storm season?

Ideally, start your storm preparations 1-2 months before severe weather typically hits Winston-Salem (January or February). This gives you time to schedule professional services and allows trees to begin healing from any necessary pruning.

However, it’s never too early or too late to remove hazardous limbs.

Can you save a tree that’s already been damaged by storms?

Yes, in many cases. Trees have remarkable abilities to recover from damage with proper care. Our arborist can assess storm-damaged trees and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Get Your Trees Storm-Ready Today with Help from Godspeed Tree Service

Investing in tree maintenance now can save thousands in potential property damage and help preserve the trees that make your property beautiful and unique. Don’t wait for the

emergency alerts to start blaring on your phone. By then, it’s too late for prevention, and you’ll be left scrambling for emergency response.

Instead, call Godspeed Tree Service at 336-399-8348 to see how we can help prepare your trees for the stormy season. Our experienced team is ready to examine your property and suggest practical solutions tailored to your specific needs.