Storm Season in Utah: How to Prep Your Trees Before the Wind Hits

Utah storm season is not gentle. A single spring wind event can snap limbs, split trunks, and leave trees leaning against power lines. The good news: most storm damage is preventable if you prepare the tree before the wind arrives.

Start with a visual inspection. Look for dead branches, cracks in the trunk, limbs that cross and rub, and any tree that is leaning more than it used to. Those are the weak points that fail first.

Next, schedule structural pruning. Removing deadwood and reducing end-weight on long limbs lowers the sail effect that catches wind. Do not top the tree — topping creates weak, fast growth that breaks easily. A proper thin and crown reduction is what protects the tree.

Check the ground around the base. Mushrooms, raised soil, or a cracked trunk can signal root failure. If the tree is leaning with soil disturbance on one side, call an arborist immediately. That tree is a candidate for removal.

After a storm, do not climb the tree to inspect it yourself. Broken limbs can be under tension and fall without warning. Take photos from a safe distance, call a licensed tree service, and let them assess it. If the tree hit your home or car, call your insurance company and document everything before cleanup begins.