Pruning for Hurricane Season: What to Look Out For Before Storms Roll In

When hurricane season ramps up, strong trees are your first line of defense — but even the strongest tree can become a hazard without proper care. That’s why strategic pruning is one of the most important things you can do ahead of storm season.

🌿 Why Prune Before a Storm?

Pruning isn’t just about looks — it’s about safety. Removing weak, dead, or poorly attached limbs helps your trees stand strong during high winds and heavy rain. By lightening the canopy and encouraging better structure, pruning reduces the risk of breakage and keeps branches from becoming dangerous projectiles.

🪓 What to Look For Before Hurricane Season

Here are a few key things to keep an eye on before storms start to form:

• Dead or Hanging Branches
  These are usually the first to fail in high winds. Look for limbs with no leaves, bark peeling away, or cracks — even small ones can be serious.
• Crossing or Rubbing Limbs
  When branches grow into each other, they weaken the structure of the tree and create open wounds that can invite decay. These should be removed to reduce stress and breakage.
• Unbalanced or Top-Heavy Canopies
  A lopsided tree can act like a sail in the wind. Pruning for balance helps the tree better distribute wind load, reducing the risk of tipping.
• Low-Hanging Limbs Near Roofs or Power Lines
  These can cause major damage if they snap during a storm. Keeping a safe distance between your tree and nearby structures is critical.
• Codominant Trunks (Double Leaders)
  If your tree has two main trunks that split at the crown, it could be prone to splitting during strong winds. This is a structural concern that can often be corrected with proper pruning or cabling.

🛠 Don’t DIY When It Comes to Safety

While light trimming may seem doable, proper storm prep pruning should always be handled by certified arborists. Over-pruning or improper pruning can actually do more harm than good. A professional can identify hidden risks and make strategic cuts that support long-term health and storm resistance.

🌳 Be Proactive — Not Reactive

The best time to prune is before the storms start. Once hurricane season ramps up, it can be difficult to schedule emergency work. Getting ahead of the game helps you protect your trees, your home, and your peace of mind.

💡 Need a Second Set of Eyes?

At Bayou Tree Service, our certified arborists can inspect your trees, identify vulnerabilities, and create a pruning plan that strengthens your trees for the season ahead. We’ve been doing this for over 45 years — let us help you stay storm-ready.

📞 New Orleans: 504.837.8733 | Baton Rouge: 225.372.8585
🔗 Visit: BayouTree.com