5 Things to Look Out for in Your Trees During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is a reminder that trees face tremendous stress from high winds, saturated soils, and heavy rainfall. While healthy trees are designed to withstand challenging weather conditions, hidden defects can increase the likelihood of branch failure, property damage, or even complete tree loss.

Knowing what to look for before severe weather arrives can help homeowners identify potential concerns and take proactive steps to protect their trees and property. Here are five important signs to watch for during hurricane season.

1. Dead or Hanging Limbs

Dead branches are often the first parts of a tree to fail during storms. Because they are no longer receiving water and nutrients, they become brittle and more likely to break under the force of strong winds.

Signs of dead or hazardous limbs include:

• Peeling or missing bark
• Branches without leaves during the growing season
• Visible cracks or decay
• Limbs hanging in the canopy
• Dry, brittle wood

Even small dead branches can become dangerous projectiles during severe weather. Larger limbs can cause significant damage to homes, vehicles, and landscapes. Removing deadwood before hurricane season helps reduce risk and improves overall tree health.

2. Dense or Over-Pruned Canopies

A tree’s canopy plays a major role in how it responds to wind. Trees with overly dense canopies may catch excessive wind, increasing stress throughout the structure. At the same time, trees that have been over-pruned can lose their natural ability to distribute wind loads effectively.

Look for:

• Thick clusters of interior branches
• Excessive weight at branch tips
• Trees that have been heavily topped
• Sparse canopies resulting from aggressive pruning

Proper structural pruning helps create a balanced canopy that allows wind to move through the tree more naturally. This can reduce stress on major limbs and improve performance during hurricane season.

3. Leaning Trees or Shifting Soil

Some trees naturally grow at an angle, but a tree that suddenly begins leaning may indicate a serious problem below ground.

Pay attention to:

• New or worsening lean
• Cracked soil around the base
• Raised or heaving ground
• Exposed roots
• Soil separating from the trunk

Heavy rainfall during hurricane season can saturate soils and weaken root systems, making unstable trees even more vulnerable. Changes around the base of a tree often warrant a professional inspection to determine whether the tree remains structurally sound.

4. Weak Branch Attachments

Not every branch union forms a strong connection. Certain growth patterns can create weak attachment points that are more susceptible to splitting during storms.

Common warning signs include:

• Multiple trunks growing closely together
• V-shaped branch unions
• Included bark between stems
• Visible cracks at attachment points
• Large horizontal limbs with limited support

Strong winds place tremendous pressure on these weak areas. Identifying and addressing structural concerns before hurricane season can help reduce the likelihood of major branch failures.

5. Root Health and Fungus Growth

When it comes to storm resilience, healthy roots are everything. A tree’s root system provides stability and anchors it during high winds. Problems below the surface can significantly increase the risk of uprooting.

Signs of root stress may include:

• Mushroom or fungus growth near the base
• Standing water or poor drainage
• Soil compaction
• Exposed roots
• Thinning foliage or canopy decline

Fungus growing around a tree’s base can sometimes indicate internal decay affecting the roots or lower trunk. While not every fungus is cause for concern, it can be an important indicator that further evaluation is needed.

Don’t Wait Until Hurricane Season Is in Full Swing

Many tree issues develop gradually and often go unnoticed until severe weather exposes them. A professional inspection can identify structural weaknesses, root concerns, and pruning needs before they become costly problems.

The most effective approach to tree care during hurricane season is preparation. By addressing deadwood, improving canopy structure, monitoring root health, and identifying potential hazards early, homeowners can help their trees remain healthier, safer, and more resilient when storms arrive.

Concerned about a tree on your property? Contact Bayou Tree Service at 504.837.8733 or 225.372.8585 to schedule an inspection with one of our certified arborists.