How to Prepare Your Trees for Oregon’s Storms
The Oregon mid-Willamette Valley is known for its relatively mild weather, but we’re not immune to severe storms. Occasionally, we experience high winds, heavy rains, ice storms, and thunderstorms with hail. When this happens, the trees on your property could become a safety hazard.
Understanding proper Oregon tree care is essential to protecting your family and home. Before the next storm hits, take these proactive measures so your trees are the last thing on your mind in an emergency.
Preparing for an Oregon Wind Storm
In the mid-Willamette Valley, we occasionally experience strong winds that can cause downed trees and power lines. Windstorms tend to occur between late fall and early spring, so it’s best to prepare before October. That preparation should include an annual inspection by an Oregon tree company, like Corvallis Tree Care. A tree inspection by an ISA-Certified Arborist will reveal any weak branches that could snap during a storm, as well as any trees that might not hold up under those conditions.
Choose a company that also provides tree pruning, cabling, and bracing services for trees that need it. An Oregon tree care company with an ISA-Certified Arborist can give mature trees the support they need to stay standing and remove limbs that hang over your property. Between appointments, you can care for your trees by watering them regularly and mulching around their bases. During the mid-Willamette Valley’s dry season, water your established trees every two to three weeks.
Preparing for Heavy Rains in the Mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon
Oregon is known for its frequently rainy weather, but much of our wet season just brings drizzles. During the rare storms when we’re faced with torrential downpour, soil erosion, and waterlogging can make your trees unstable. You can prevent this by watering them less often in
the winter. Making holes in the soil to aerate it can also help.
An ISA-Certified Arborist from an Oregon tree company can prune your trees to remove dead branches. The benefits of pruning go beyond keeping people safe from falling objects. This service can also improve the health of your trees by letting more air and sunlight in.
Preparing for Oregon’s Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms aren’t very common in the mid-Willamette Valley in Oregon. In fact, Corvallis homeowners only see them a few days per year. Even though they’re not something we need to worry about often, we still don’t want to be caught off guard when a thunderstorm strikes. When lightning hits trees, it can cause them to split and char, or worse: catch on fire.
Trees with dead or oversized branches are particularly vulnerable during a thunderstorm. Trimming and pruning these trees can help you avoid property damage. If lightning directly strikes your tree, call your local tree company to have them inspect it. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s salvageable or if it needs to be removed.
When you live in an area where severe weather is uncommon, it’s easy to put
tree storm preparation on the back burner. Procrastinating on your annual tree inspections can lead to devastating consequences when winds pick up or lightning touches down. Don’t put off your search for an
Oregon tree company that provides
storm readiness tree care services until the last minute. Instead, call
Corvallis Tree Care to book your necessary
arborist services today.
COMMON FAQS
How can I prepare my trees for Oregon wind storms?
Oregon windstorms can cause trees and branches to fall, risking property and safety. To prepare, schedule an annual inspection with a certified Oregon tree service. Prune weak branches, consider cabling or bracing for mature trees, and regularly water and mulch their bases to keep them strong and healthy.
What tree maintenance should I do before storm season in Oregon?
Before storm season hits (usually before October in Oregon), arrange for a professional arborist to inspect your trees. Prune dead or overhanging limbs, water trees consistently during dry months, and apply mulch to support root health. Preventative care reduces storm damage and safety hazards.
Why is pruning important for storm-proofing trees in Oregon?
Pruning removes dead, weakened, or oversized branches that could break during high winds or storms. Proper pruning by an experienced Oregon arborist not only protects people and property but also improves the health of your trees by letting in more sunlight and air.
How do heavy rains affect trees in Oregon?
Heavy Oregon rains can cause soil erosion and waterlogging, which may destabilize trees. To protect them, water less frequently in the wet season, and aerate the soil with holes to enhance drainage. Annual professional inspections help spot and address any instability issues early.
What should I do with a tree struck by lightning in Oregon?
If a tree is hit by lightning during one of Oregon’s rare thunderstorms, it could be split, burned, or even catch fire. Always contact a local, certified tree company to assess the damage. Don’t try to inspect or remove the tree yourself—professionals will determine if it’s safe to keep or needs removal.
When is the best time to book a tree inspection in Oregon?
The best time to book a tree inspection in Oregon is before the windstorm season starts, typically in late summer or early fall. Scheduling early ensures your trees are safe and storm-ready before harsh weather arrives in the mid-Willamette Valley.
How does mulching benefit trees during Oregon storms?
Mulching helps trees by retaining soil moisture during Oregon’s dry months and stabilizing soil during heavy rains. It also protects roots from temperature fluctuations and erosion, making trees more resilient to storms.
Should I water established trees in Oregon during storm season?
Established trees don’t require frequent watering during the wet season, but during Oregon’s dry season, you should water them every two to three weeks. Too much water during heavy rains can weaken roots, so adjust your watering schedule as seasons change.
Can an arborist help with emergency storm damage tree removal in Oregon?
EMERGENCY TREE SERVICESYes, a qualified local arborist can safely assess and remove storm-damaged trees and branches. After a windstorm or thunderstorm, don’t attempt removal yourself—professional tree services have the expertise and equipment for safe cleanup and recovery.
Why should I choose a local Oregon tree company for storm preparation?
Local Oregon tree companies, like Corvallis Tree Care, understand regional weather, soil, and trees. They provide crucial services like pruning, cabling, bracing, and inspections tailored for Oregon’s unique climate, keeping your property safer year-round.
