Seasonal Tree Trimming Tips for Storm Season

With the beginning of summer in Chicago comes thunderstorm season. Rising temperatures and humidity spawn powerful storms that can sweep into our area—sometimes suddenly—and cause damage to your trees. As the season gets underway, follow our storm season tree trimming tips to protect your trees, as well as yourself and your home.

Prune tree limbs

Overgrown or weak limbs are the most susceptible to summer storm damage. They’re also the greatest risk to your property—your home, car, or patio, for instance—as well as passersby. You should locate and remove weak-jointed branches to protect your tree, your property, and your family.

While winter is the ideal time to prune trees, it’s not the only time pruning can be done. Engage a professional tree care service, like Advanced Tree Care, to inspect and prune the trees on your property. We’ll examine each of them for weak, narrow-angled, v-shaped branch crotches, as these are most prone to breakage during a summer storm. We can also cable or brace branches that overhang your house, sidewalk, or driveway to offer added protection.

Mulch regularly

Proper mulching helps your trees retain moisture during the warm summer months, which can help keep them healthy and thriving. Optimal moisture can prevent trees from having to divert too many resources to their leaves, which can put limbs at risk.

Inspect for damage

After summer storms roll through, be vigilant about inspecting your trees for damage. If you notice broken or damaged limbs, call your tree service right away. Broken limbs disrupt a tree’s critical circulatory function. Prompt attention by professionals can prevent further damage to your tree.

Call a professional

If a tree or tree limb is downed by a storm, don’t be a hero. Limbs and fallen trees pose serious hazards to you and your property. They could be concealing a downed live electrical wire, or they could be unsteady—or even both. Resist the temptation to perform DIY heroics and instead call in a professional tree service with 24/7 emergency service. Because tree work can be complex, mistakes can be costly—so be sure you’ve entrusted the work to a service led by a certified arborist.

While you’re waiting for the professionals to arrive onsite, keep children and pets away from the downed limbs or damaged tree.

Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!