Caring for your trees after a storm isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about protecting your property, ensuring safety, and preserving the value of your landscape. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical post-storm tree care steps, how to identify potential risks, and when it’s time to call a professional like Griffin Solutions for expert help.
The Importance of Post-Storm Tree Maintenance
Mississippi’s climate brings unpredictable weather — from sudden thunderstorms to hurricane-force winds. These conditions can leave trees damaged, weakened, or dangerously unstable. Even trees that appear fine may have internal cracks, torn roots, or weakened branches that pose future risks.
Performing a careful inspection after each major storm is crucial for:
Preventing property damage from falling limbs or trees
Reducing safety hazards for your family and neighbors
Prolonging tree life by addressing structural issues early
Avoiding costly emergency removals down the line
Post-storm maintenance ensures your trees remain healthy, resilient, and ready to face future weather challenges.
Step 1: Inspect Trees for Visible and Hidden Damage
After a storm, it’s tempting to focus on the obvious — fallen branches or snapped limbs. But subtle damage is often more dangerous. Take a slow walk around your yard and look for:
Leaning Trees: Even a slight lean can indicate root instability.
Cracked or Split Branches: These can fall later, especially during the next storm.
Exposed Roots or Uplifted Soil: Suggests the root system may have loosened.
Hanging Limbs: These “widow-makers” can drop without warning.
Fungal Growth or Bark Peeling: Often signs of internal rot or decay.
If you notice any of these red flags, avoid standing beneath the damaged areas. Contact a Mississippi tree service like Griffin Solutions for a professional assessment before attempting any DIY trimming or cleanup.
Step 2: Handle Minor Damage Safely
Not all storm damage requires full tree removal. Small broken branches or light debris can often be managed safely by homeowners. Use this checklist for minor cleanup:
Trim small, broken twigs using sanitized pruning shears.
Remove torn leaves and light debris from around the base of the tree.
Avoid cutting large limbs or climbing trees yourself — even small mistakes can worsen the damage.
Always wear protective gloves, goggles, and sturdy shoes.
Proper pruning encourages healing and helps the tree redirect its energy to healthy growth.
Step 3: Know When to Call the Professionals
Sometimes, storm damage goes beyond simple pruning. If you see any of the following, it’s time to call for professional tree removal in Mississippi:
A tree is leaning dangerously toward your home or power lines
There’s splitting or cracking near the trunk
You hear creaking or shifting sounds when the wind blows
Large branches are lodged in upper canopies
The tree shows signs of root damage or soil upheaval
Professionals like Griffin Solutions are trained to evaluate structural stability, safely remove hazardous branches, and determine whether a tree can be saved or must be removed entirely.
Step 4: Treat and Restore Damaged Trees
If your tree can be saved, post-storm care can help it recover faster. Here’s how experts bring trees back to health:
Pruning Broken Limbs: Clean cuts prevent disease and decay.
Staking Young Trees: Provides stability for trees uprooted slightly by wind.
Fertilization and Mulching: Replenishes nutrients washed away by heavy rain.
Watering Wisely: Helps stressed trees rehydrate without drowning their roots.
A certified arborist can also apply growth stimulants or pest control treatments if the storm left your tree vulnerable to insects or infections.
Step 5: Prevent Future Damage with Proactive Tree Maintenance
The best way to handle storm damage is to prevent it before it happens. A year-round maintenance plan not only strengthens your trees but also reduces the likelihood of emergency removals. Consider these preventive measures:
Regular Trimming: Removes weak branches before they become hazards.
Crown Thinning: Improves airflow to reduce wind resistance.
Root Inspections: Detects underground decay or soil instability.
Storm Bracing: Cabling systems support heavy limbs during storms.
Annual Tree Health Checkups: Early detection of diseases or structural issues.
Scheduling seasonal tree care with a trusted MS tree service like Griffin Solutions ensures your landscape stays beautiful — and your home stays safe — year-round.
Post-Storm Cleanup and Property Safety
After major weather events, many homeowners rush to clear debris or remove fallen trees themselves. But post-storm environments are risky — power lines, unstable trunks, and hidden sharp objects can cause injury.
Professional crews have the right equipment and safety training to handle these situations efficiently. They can also handle insurance-related documentation, making it easier to file storm damage claims and recover repair costs.
At Griffin Solutions, we respond quickly to storm emergencies in Brookhaven and across Mississippi. From emergency removals to complete debris cleanup, we restore both safety and peace of mind.
Environmental Benefits of Proper Tree Care
Healthy trees do more than beautify your property — they provide shade, filter air, and enhance stormwater absorption. By properly maintaining your trees after storms, you:
Promote eco-friendly growth in your community
Reduce soil erosion and flooding risks
Encourage new growth that supports local wildlife
Your proactive care helps Mississippi’s ecosystem remain strong and sustainable — one yard at a time.
Final Thoughts: Protect What Matters Most
Storms may be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. A single fallen limb can cause thousands of dollars in damage, but with proper care and quick action, you can protect your home and landscape from lasting harm.
Whether your trees need a full safety inspection, selective pruning, or complete removal, Griffin Solutions has the experience, tools, and dedication to handle it all. Our team specializes in emergency tree removal, post-storm cleanups, and preventive maintenance throughout Mississippi.
Don’t wait until the next storm hits.
Schedule your post-storm tree inspection today and keep your property safe, beautiful, and storm-ready all year long.
