When Summer Storms Hit, Your Trees Take the Punch
Here in the Twin Cities, summer storms roll in fast and hit hard. Between the intense winds, heavy rainfall, and the occasional hailstorm, your trees face serious threats every time dark clouds gather. In fact, some of the worst storm-related tree damage in Minnesota history has occurred in June and July when trees are in full leaf and soils are saturated (Minnesota DNR).
So how do you know if your trees are vulnerable? And what can you do to protect your property?
Let me break it down for you.
What Makes Summer So Dangerous for Trees?
- Saturated Soil: After days of rain, roots have a weaker hold, making even healthy trees prone to uprooting.
- Heavy Canopies: Trees in full leaf catch more wind, increasing the risk of limb or trunk failure.
- Co-dominant Stems & Weak Unions: Trees with multiple main trunks or included bark are especially likely to split during high winds.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, trees are most susceptible during mid-summer because they haven’t experienced drought stress yet and tend to grow fast and large—but not always strong.
6 Signs Your Tree Could Be a Hazard
- Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
- Leaning more than 15 degrees
- Dead or hanging branches
- Mushrooms or decay at the base
- Exposed or lifted roots
- Two trunks growing together (co-dominant leaders)
If you’re seeing any of these, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look before the next thunderstorm hits.
What To Do After a Storm Hits
- Stay Safe: If a tree is touching a power line, stay far away and call 911 or your electric utility immediately (Xcel Energy).
- Document the Damage: Take pictures and video for your insurance provider.
- Call a Pro: If you see large hanging limbs or uprooted trees, don’t DIY it—that’s how serious injuries happen.
Here at Renstrom Tree Service, we use a CMC tracked aerial lift that lets us reach dangerous limbs safely and quickly, even in tight urban spaces.
Preventative Summer Tree Care
The best way to avoid storm damage is to prep ahead. Here’s what I recommend:
- Annual Tree Inspections: We spot issues before they become expensive problems.
- Structural Pruning: We reduce weight on heavy limbs and improve tree form.
- Spring Feeding: Deep root fertilization helps your trees stand strong by building root health.
Creative Feature: Tree Risk Assessment Scorecard
Below is a simple visual guide homeowners can use to evaluate their tree risk level:
| Risk Factor | Low Risk | Moderate Risk | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Visible cracks or splits |
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|
Tree Leans Significantly |
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Dead or handing limbs |
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Exposed or heaving roots |
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Multiple trunks with weak union |
Pro tip: If you check 2 or more boxes in the High Risk column, give us a call today.
FAQs
Does insurance cover storm-damaged trees?
If the tree falls on your home or blocks a public road, most likely policies cover this. (Note: We aren’t the final say here. First you will want to contact your attorney and or the insurance company for situations like this)
How soon can you get here after a storm?
We prioritize emergency calls and can usually be on-site the same day.
Is it cheaper to trim trees before or after a storm?
It’s always cheaper to trim them before. Emergency removals are riskier and more time-intensive.
Final Thoughts
Storms in the Twin Cities aren’t slowing down anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you have to risk your home, car, or family. With the right care and fast emergency help, we can keep your trees safe and your yard looking sharp all summer long.
Need help? Give me a call today and let’s take a look before the next storm rolls in.
– Erik Renstrom
Owner, Renstrom Tree Service
Erik Renstrom
For over a decade, Erik Renstrom, along with his company Renstrom Tree Service have been servicing the Minneapols / St. Paul area, helping home owners and businesses with their trees. Whether you have a tree that has fallen on your house or need storm damage cleanup, we are here for you, 24-7. Call Erik today! (651) 349-4194