Hurricane season can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and severe storms to Raleigh and surrounding areas. While you can’t prevent every tree from falling, identifying potentially hazardous trees before a storm can help reduce the risk of property damage.
At North Raleigh Tree, we help homeowners evaluate trees and determine whether trimming, removal, or other tree care is appropriate before severe weather arrives.
1. Look for Dead or Dying Trees
Dead trees and trees in significant decline may be more vulnerable to high winds. Look for dead branches, damaged bark, cavities, fungal growth, or significant loss of foliage.
2. Check for Large Dead Branches
Large dead branches can break during storms and damage roofs, vehicles, or other property. Professional pruning can often remove these hazards without removing the entire tree.
3. Pay Attention to Leaning Trees
A slight natural lean isn’t necessarily a problem, but a new or changing lean can indicate root or structural issues. Have leaning trees near your home or other structures evaluated.
4. Inspect the Area Around the Roots
Exposed or damaged roots, soil cracks, heaving soil, and previous construction or grading near a tree can affect its stability.
5. Consider What’s Under the Tree
A tree’s location matters. Trees near homes, garages, driveways, vehicles, play areas, and power lines deserve particular attention when assessing storm risk.
6. Don’t Wait for a Storm
Once a hurricane is approaching, tree companies can become extremely busy with emergency storm tree removal calls. Addressing potential hazards ahead of time gives you more options and time to make informed decisions.
7. Know When Removal May Be Necessary
Sometimes pruning isn’t enough. A tree that is dead, severely damaged, significantly decayed, or structurally compromised may be safer to remove.
Prepare Your Trees Before the Storm
Not every tree needs to be removed before hurricane season. Healthy trees provide valuable shade and beauty, and professional pruning may be enough to address certain concerns.
If you’re worried about a tree on your Raleigh property, North Raleigh Tree can evaluate the tree and recommend the appropriate course of action.
We provide tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, crane services, and storm damage cleanup throughout Raleigh and surrounding areas.
Don’t wait until the next storm is headed your way. Contact North Raleigh Tree at (919) 808-CHOP (2467) to schedule an evaluation.
