How to Prepare Your Trees for Storm Season in Charlotte

Getting Your Trees Storm-Ready

Charlotte sits in the path of some serious weather. Summer thunderstorms with straight-line winds, hurricane remnants pushing up from the coast, and occasional winter ice storms all put trees — and the homes beneath them — at risk. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

The single best thing you can do is have a professional tree health assessment before storm season. We can identify weak points, dead branches, and structural problems that aren't obvious from the ground. Trees that look fine can have internal decay, poor root systems, or branch unions that are likely to fail in high winds.

Remove Dead and Weak Branches

Dead branches are the most common source of storm damage. They're the first things to fall when wind picks up, and they can cause serious damage to roofs, cars, and fences. Having deadwood removed before storm season is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your property.

Thin Dense Canopies

A thick, dense canopy acts like a sail in high winds. Crown thinning reduces wind resistance by opening up the canopy so wind passes through instead of pushing against it. This is especially important for the large oaks and sweetgums common in Charlotte's older neighborhoods.

Address Obvious Hazards

Trees leaning toward your house, branches rubbing against the roof, and limbs hanging over power lines should all be addressed before storm season. These are the situations that turn a thunderstorm into an insurance claim.

Know Your Trees

Some species are more storm-prone than others in Charlotte:

• Bradford Pears: Notorious for splitting in storms. If you have one, it's worth considering removal.
• Sweetgums: Shallow root systems make them prone to toppling in saturated soil.
• Loblolly Pines: Tall and top-heavy, they snap in high winds, especially if they're crowded.
• Water Oaks: Fast-growing but weak-wooded. They often develop internal decay as they age.

After the Storm

If a storm does cause damage, don't try to handle it yourself — especially if trees are near power lines or resting against structures. Read our guide on how storm damage cleanup works so you know what to expect, or if a tree has hit your house, see what to do when a tree falls on your house. Call Orlando Tree at (704) 749-0642 for emergency tree service. We respond 24/7.

Get Ahead of the Season

The best time to prepare is before the first storm hits. Call us for a free property assessment and we'll identify everything that should be addressed to keep your home and family safe.