Summer Storm Tree Prep for Homeowners
For homeowners along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, summertime isn’t just about barbecues and beach days. Unfortunately, it also comes with the very real threat of severe storms, with the typical hurricane season spanning from June through November.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts the season will bring above-average storm activity. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to start safeguarding your home and property against the threat of ferocious winds, flooding, and other devastating impacts.
How Do I Prepare My House for Summer Storms?
Strengthen Your Structure
Any vulnerabilities in your home’s structure become major risks when driving rains and hurricane-force winds emerge. With that in mind, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your house against Mother Nature: think roof repairs to address loose shingles, storm shutters for windows and doors, and plywood for reinforcement, if needed.
Be Proactive About Flooding
Even if your home isn’t officially in a flood zone, your storm prep should include steps to mitigate monumental rainfall (which can accumulate quickly during surges). Homes with basements or other low-lying areas might benefit from sump pump installations to move water in the event of flooding. Many municipalities also offer sandbags, which can be placed outside doorways and other cracks to keep floodwater out. Don’t forget the simple but important task of cleaning your gutters and downspouts so rainwater has a clear path to drain.
Prepare for Power Outages and Emergencies
Generators can be a tremendous help for keeping your refrigerator running or your home cool during power outages, but don’t wait until a storm is forecasted if you plan on purchasing one. Refresh yourself on how to use it, too: Improper use and placement can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, a leading cause of many storm-related deaths.
Each hurricane season, you should also create or replenish your emergency kit. Include flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, bottled water, first aid supplies, and medications for at least several days. When severe storms are in the forecast, consider having a go bag ready with evacuation essentials for every family member (pets included).
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Homeowner’s insurance policies don’t always cover storm damage. Depending on your policy, you may need to purchase additional coverage for wind damage and flooding. Because many contracts take days or even weeks to go into effect, review your terms as an utmost priority.
Get Your Yard Ready
Although hurricanes can’t be prevented, some of the damage they bring can be reduced with proper planning. Trees, in particular, are often behind some of the most devastating effects of severe storms. From collapsed roofs to downed fences, damaged vehicles, and blocked roadways, fallen limbs and branches can have dangerous and costly repercussions. That brings us to a question we encounter often: Should you trim trees before a hurricane, or is it better to wait until after the storm to address damage as needed?
As tree care specialists in a storm-prone region, we can’t recommend proactive tree trimming enough. Here’s why: Trees that are pruned properly sustain less damage than those that are unpruned or improperly trimmed. And storms are only getting more severe, not to mention costly, even for insured homeowners. In 2024, Hurricanes Milton and Helene resulted in more than $229 billion in damages together. In addition to the steps above, professional summer storm tree prep is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies you can pursue to protect life and property before a hurricane.
Schedule a Service With Premier Tree Solutions
While Premier Tree Solutions is always here for storm damage assistance and cleanup services, preventive tree trimming is the safest option. Get your property hurricane-ready by calling 404.252.6448 or by sending us a message online.
