Storm Season in Southwest Missouri: How to Prepare Your Trees

# Storm Season in Southwest Missouri: How to Prepare Your Trees

Southwest Missouri sits squarely in severe weather territory. From spring thunderstorms with 70+ mph straight-line winds to winter ice events that can add hundreds of pounds to every branch, our trees take a beating. The good news: most storm damage is preventable with proper maintenance.

Before the Storm: Proactive Steps

**Get your trees inspected annually.** A professional eye can spot signs of disease, root problems, and structural weaknesses that aren't obvious from the ground. The best time is late winter, before leaf-out, when the structure is fully visible.

**Remove dead branches before they become projectiles.** Deadwood is the #1 source of storm debris. Dead branches have no flexibility — they snap instead of bending, and once airborne they can punch through roofs, windshields, and fencing.

**Thin dense canopies.** A thick, unmanaged canopy acts like a sail in high winds, multiplying the force on the trunk and root system. Crown thinning reduces wind resistance while maintaining the tree's natural form and health.

**Address co-dominant leaders.** Two stems growing from the same point with a tight, V-shaped union are a known failure point. Under storm load, these unions can split completely. Cabling or early corrective pruning can prevent a catastrophic split.

After the Storm: What to Do

1. 1**Stay away from fallen trees on power lines.** Call your utility company first — never attempt to move a tree touching energized wires.
2. 2**Document everything with photos** before cleanup begins, for insurance purposes.
3. 3**Call us for emergency response.** We're available 24/7 at 417-554-1212.
4. 4**Don't attempt to remove large storm-damaged trees yourself.** Storm-damaged wood is under unpredictable tension and compression. Cutting the wrong place can cause a log to kick violently.

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BIG O TREE SERVICE LLC offers pre-storm tree assessments and 24/7 emergency storm response throughout the 417 area. Call us at 417-554-1212.