06/17/2025
🌳 1-Year Post-Windstorm Tree Care Checklist
✅ 1. Schedule a Certified Arborist Inspection
Have a certified arborist assess the structural integrity of trees that were damaged or exposed to stress. Hidden issues can take time to show up.
• Look for signs of delayed dieback, cracks, bark separation, decay, or pests.
• Inspect previous pruning or wound sites for proper healing.
✂️ 2. Perform Structural Pruning (If Not Already Done)
By now, new growth may have emerged that can be selectively pruned to:
• Balance the canopy
• Reduce future wind resistance
• Remove sucker growth or poorly attached branches
This is also the time to fix any rushed or temporary cuts made immediately after the storm.
🌱 3. Check for Root Damage or Soil Heaving
Sometimes root injuries or soil compaction don’t become obvious until later. Look for:
• Leaning trees (even slightly)
• Poor canopy density
• Fungal fruiting bodies near the base (a sign of root rot)
• Soil mounding or depressions
If needed, consider air spading to inspect roots without major disturbance.
🧪 4. Soil Health and Fertility
Windstorms can compact soil or strip away leaf litter that nourishes trees.
• Conduct a soil test
• Apply a slow-release, organic fertilizer if needed
• Consider mulching 2–4” deep (not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and improve soil structure
🪓 5. Monitor for Pests and Disease
Stressed trees are more vulnerable to:
• Borers (especially in oaks, elms, and pines)
• Fungal pathogens entering through cracks or wounds
• Bark beetles in conifers
Early intervention is key to saving trees already under stress.
🪵 6. Remove Deadwood and High-Risk Trees
Some trees may not recover, even if they seemed okay at first. Prioritize:
• Dead or declining trees
• Large dead branches
• Trees with structural defects (co-dominant stems, included bark, etc.)
If removal is necessary, you can now safely do so with less risk of insurance disputes or emergency rush jobs.
🌧️ 7. Prepare for the Next Storm
Based on what you’ve learned from the storm, consider:
• Proactive cabling or bracing of weak limbs
• Thinning dense canopies (not topping!)
• Planting wind-resistant native species to replace losses
