The Homeowner’s Guide to “Tree-Proofing” Your Property Before Storm Season

 

In Colorado, it’s not a matter of if a storm will hit, but when. From the heavy, "limb-breaking" snows of early spring to the high-velocity winds of summer monsoons, our trees take a beating. For homeowners in the South Denver Metro area, a fallen limb is more than just a yard cleanup project—it’s a potential insurance claim, a roof repair, or a safety hazard.

"Tree-proofing" is the process of identifying and mitigating risks before the clouds turn grey. Here is how to audit your landscape for storm readiness.

1. Identify "Target" Areas

In arborist terms, a "target" is anything a tree or branch could fall on. Walk your property and look for large limbs overhanging:

  • Your roof or chimney.

  • Power lines or internet cables.

  • The driveway or street parking.

  • Children’s play structures or backyard decks. Priority should always be given to pruning trees that have a clear path to these high-value targets.

2. Spot the "V-Crotch" Weakness

Look at where the main branches of your tree meet the trunk. A strong connection looks like a "U" shape. A weak connection looks like a tight "V." These V-shaped unions often have "included bark," meaning the wood hasn't actually fused together. Under the weight of heavy snow, these are the first points to split. A professional ISA Certified Arborist can often install cabling or bracing to support these weak points without removing the tree.

3. Check for "Root Heaving" and Lean

Most trees have a natural lean, which isn't necessarily a problem. However, if you notice the soil at the base of the tree is cracking or lifting (heaving), or if the lean has noticeably increased after a rainstorm, the root system may be failing. This is a red-alert situation that requires an immediate tree removal assessment before the next wind event.

4. Thin the "Wind Sail"

A dense, overgrown canopy acts like a giant sail. When high winds hit a thick tree, the wind cannot pass through, putting immense pressure on the trunk and roots. Structural tree trimming thins out the interior branches, allowing wind to move through the canopy freely. This significantly reduces the "drag" on the tree and decreases the likelihood of it being uprooted.

5. Clear the "Dead Wood"

Dead branches are brittle and have no flexibility. Even a minor storm can send them tumbling. Regular "deadwooding"—the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches—is the simplest way to prevent small-scale property damage and keep your lawn clear of debris.

Conclusion

You can’t control the Colorado weather, but you can control how prepared your property is to handle it. By taking a proactive approach to tree maintenance, you turn your trees from potential liabilities into the beautiful, safe assets they were meant to be.

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