Hurricane season is here, and preparation starts long before a storm appears in the Gulf. WDSU Meteorologist Jim Syoen recently sat down with our Vice President and ISA Certified Arborist, David Benton, to discuss how homeowners can help protect their trees, homes, and property from severe weather. From identifying potential risks to understanding proper pruning practices, David shares expert insights on what homeowners should be doing now to prepare.
Want to watch the full segment? Click above to hear the complete conversation. If you’re looking for the same guidance we’re giving our customers before storm season, keep reading below as David answers some of the most common questions homeowners have about preparing their trees for hurricane season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE SEASON
As we head into hurricane season, what’s the biggest mistake homeowners make when it comes to their trees?
The biggest mistake we see is waiting until there’s a storm in the Gulf to start thinking about tree care. By then, options become limited. Trees need proactive care year-round, especially in South Louisiana where saturated soil, heavy canopies, and high winds all put added stress on them. A healthy, structurally sound tree is far more likely to withstand storms than one that’s been neglected for years and suddenly “trimmed” days before landfall.
When people look at the trees in their yard, what should they be watching for that could signal a problem in a storm?
Trees often give warning signs before failure occurs — it’s just knowing what to look for. Dead or hanging limbs are some of the biggest red flags. Homeowners should also watch for cracks in large branches, leaning trees, lifted soil around the base, fungus growth near the roots, or canopies that have become overly dense. Having an ISA Certified Arborist evaluate these issues early can help determine whether a tree needs pruning, preservation work, support systems, or removal. To read more about your trees giving warning signs before failure and what else to look out for in your canopy CLICK HERE!
A lot of folks think cutting back as much as possible helps — can over-pruning actually make a tree more dangerous?
Absolutely. Over-pruning can create just as many problems as neglect. Trees need foliage to produce energy and support themselves structurally. When too much canopy is removed, it often triggers rapid, weak regrowth that becomes even more vulnerable during future storms. Proper pruning is about balance — reducing risk while preserving the tree’s health, structure, and long-term stability.
What does proper trimming look like if you’re trying to protect your home from high winds?
Proper pruning focuses on structure, weight distribution, and allowing wind to move naturally through the canopy. That may include removing deadwood, reducing end weight on heavy limbs, correcting weak branch attachments, and selectively thinning crowded areas without over-pruning the tree. Every species responds differently, which is why arboricultural pruning is so important. The goal is always preservation whenever possible — not just cutting for the sake of cutting.
Are there situations where a tree really just needs to come down before a storm instead of trying to save it?
Yes. While preservation is always our first priority, there are situations where removal is the safest option. Trees with severe decay, compromised root systems, extensive structural failure, or those posing a significant risk to homes and people may no longer be viable candidates for preservation. The key is having a qualified arborist assess the tree before a storm forces the decision for you.
When do you suggest homeowners stop doing it themselves and call a professional arborist?
A good rule of thumb is that if you feel like you need to get on a ladder, it’s time to call a professional arborist. We see far too many accidents from homeowners attempting tree work themselves, especially when ladders, chainsaws, and heavy limbs are involved. Tree care can be unpredictable, and what seems like a simple pruning project can quickly become dangerous. Professional arborists have the training, equipment, and experience to safely perform the work while protecting both people and property.
For someone who hasn’t had their trees checked in years, what’s the one thing they should do right now before the next storm threatens?
Schedule a professional evaluation before hurricane season ramps up. Many structural issues aren’t obvious to the untrained eye until failure happens, and by then it’s too late. A proactive inspection can identify risks early, improve tree health, and help homeowners make informed decisions before severe weather arrives. Preparation now can make a major difference later.
When it comes to storm preparation, healthy trees are one of your property’s greatest assets. Taking a proactive approach to tree care can reduce risk, improve tree health, and help protect your home when severe weather arrives. Whether it’s routine pruning, a professional evaluation, or addressing potential hazards before they become emergencies, investing in your trees today can help prevent costly problems tomorrow.
If you have concerns about the health or structure of your trees, now is the time to have them evaluated by an ISA Certified Arborist — before the next storm is on the radar.
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