How to Protect Trees and Shrubs During Late-Summer Storms
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Late summer often brings intense storms—sudden downpours, high winds, and even hail. These weather events can wreak havoc on otherwise healthy landscapes. While well-maintained properties stand up to nature better, even the most beautiful trees and shrubs can be vulnerable during extreme conditions.
At Princeton Scapes, we believe storm preparation is an essential part of responsible landscape care. Our team is experienced in protecting trees from late-summer storms and implementing strategies to minimize damage before, during, and after bad weather. Whether you manage an estate, commercial grounds, or HOA property, proactive care helps preserve your investment and maintain your landscape’s safety and beauty.
Why Late-Summer Storms Are So Challenging
As summer winds down, your landscape has already endured months of heat stress, high humidity, and inconsistent rainfall. Plants—especially trees and shrubs—may be in a more fragile state than they appear.
Storms during this time of year can be particularly damaging because:
- Trees are still in full leaf, increasing wind resistance
- Soil may be saturated from earlier rains, loosening root holds
- Plants already stressed by heat may be less resilient to damage
- Sudden weather swings (from drought to storms) create mechanical strain
That’s why storm preparation for landscapes is more than a seasonal task—it’s a proactive, year-round responsibility.
1. Assess Trees for Structural Risks
The most important step in keeping plants safe in extreme weather is identifying potential hazards early. At Princeton Scapes, we begin with a full property inspection focused on trees and large shrubs.
What We Look For:
- Dead or Weak Branches: These are most likely to break in high winds.
- Poor Branch Angles: V-shaped crotches are weaker and more prone to splitting.
- Overextended Limbs: Long horizontal branches are vulnerable to snapping.
- Diseased or Decaying Wood: Compromised trees may fail under pressure.
Corrective pruning and support systems, like cabling or bracing, are used where needed to reduce the risk of damage.
2. Prune Thoughtfully, Not Aggressively
Pruning is one of the most effective ways to safeguard shrubs during bad weather—but timing and technique are key. Over-pruning can stress plants and reduce their ability to recover. Under-pruning leaves them vulnerable.
Our expert crews:
- Thin canopies to allow better wind passage
- Remove hazardous branches near homes, walkways, or power lines
- Balance tree structure to reduce twisting or toppling
- Selectively shape shrubs to avoid breakage or uprooting
We prune with an eye toward health, structure, and safety, ensuring your trees and shrubs are storm-ready without being weakened.
3. Reinforce New or Vulnerable Plantings
Young trees, recently transplanted shrubs, and shallow-rooted species are more susceptible to uprooting during storms. These plants benefit from physical reinforcement.
Protective Measures Include:
- Staking Young Trees: Proper staking supports trunks without limiting movement.
- Mulching Root Zones: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps insulate roots and retain moisture, reducing stress before storms.
- Wind Barriers: For exposed locations, temporary barriers like burlap or fencing can deflect wind and reduce breakage.
As part of our storm preparation for landscapes, we review each plant’s needs and apply tailored reinforcement strategies.
4. Monitor Drainage and Erosion Zones
Heavy rains often reveal weak points in your landscape’s drainage. Pooling water or erosion can destabilize tree roots, damage shrubs, and create safety hazards.
Our Solutions Include:
- Regrading or reshaping beds and turf for proper runoff
- Installing or repairing French drains or dry wells
- Adding groundcover or stone to control erosion on slopes
- Clearing downspouts and ensuring proper water redirection
These steps protect both plant health and your property’s structural integrity during extreme weather.
5. Post-Storm Care: Assess, Clean Up, Recover
Even with preparation, late-summer storms can cause damage. That’s why we offer responsive post-storm services to get your landscape back on track quickly and safely.
Immediate Response Includes:
- Inspecting all trees and shrubs for damage
- Removing broken branches and clearing debris
- Identifying weakened trees that may need bracing or removal
- Evaluating soil conditions and applying root support treatments
Post-storm stress can linger, especially if plants were already struggling. Our certified horticulturists monitor recovery and apply seasonal adjustments to promote regrowth and long-term resilience.
Long-Term Planning: Building Resilience into Your Landscape
The best protection against storms starts with smart design and ongoing maintenance. At Princeton Scapes, we help clients build storm-resilient landscapes from the ground up.
Strategies We Implement:
- Planting wind-tolerant, deep-rooted trees in exposed areas
- Designing layered plantings that act as natural windbreaks
- Avoiding species prone to breakage or disease in vulnerable spots
- Maintaining consistent pruning and soil health programs
Every landscape we manage is evaluated not just for beauty, but for performance—and storm resilience is a key part of that equation.
Partner with Princeton Scapes for Peace of Mind
Storms are unpredictable. Your landscape care shouldn’t be. At Princeton Scapes, we provide proactive, comprehensive services that protect your property from damage while preserving its long-term value and appearance.
With certified horticulturists, experienced crews, and reliable year-round support, we’re your trusted partner in protecting trees from late-summer storms and delivering peace of mind no matter what the forecast holds.
Ready to strengthen your landscape against summer storms? Let Princeton Scapes help you protect, prepare, and preserve your trees and shrubs.
Contact us today to schedule a storm-readiness consultation or learn more about our seasonal care programs.
