How to Protect Your Trees from Tornado Damage in Missouri

Tornadoes are a serious threat in Missouri, particularly in the greater St. Louis and St. Charles areas. The powerful combination of high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can wreak havoc on your property, damaging trees, yards, and structures alike.

Without proactive tree care, your trees may fail under the stress of a storm, potentially leading to costly damage and a barren landscape. Replacing lost trees can take years to fully restore your property’s natural beauty and value.

However, by understanding the risks and implementing the right strategies, you can protect your trees and minimize potential damage. Let’s explore how to safeguard your trees and property from tornado damage.

Understanding the Risks of Tornadoes in Missouri

Missouri experiences numerous tornadoes each year, with peak activity occurring between April and June. The St. Louis region frequently encounters these powerful storms.

According to the National Weather Service, Missouri averages about 45 tornadoes annually, with 12-14 occurring in the St. Louis area every year. Tornadoes pose several risks to property owners:

• Uprooted trees can fall on homes, vehicles, and other structures, causing substantial damage and safety hazards.
• Large branches torn from trees, or previously fallen branches, can become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
• Flying debris can shatter windows and damage building exteriors.
• Valuable landscape trees may suffer irreparable harm or complete loss.
• Tree root systems can be compromised, leading to instability even after the storm passes.
• Damage to trees, such as broken branches, can create entry points for pests and diseases, further weakening surviving trees.

It’s important to note that even lower-intensity tornadoes can cause considerable damage. EF0 or EF1 tornadoes, with wind speeds of 65-110 mph, can significantly impact trees and properties. In 2011, a powerful EF4 tornado struck the St. Louis area, carving a 22-mile path of destruction and serving as a stark reminder of the potential for severe damage in our region.

Assessing Your Trees – Are They at Risk?

Before tornado season arrives, it’s important to evaluate the health and stability of your trees. Here are a few things to look for when assessing your trees’ vulnerability to tornado damage:

• Weak or decaying trees: Look for signs of rot, fungal growth, or large dead sections.
• Weak or damaged branches: Identify branches that are dead, diseased, or poorly attached to the trunk.
• Co-dominant stems: Trees with multiple main trunks of similar size are more likely to split.
• Proximity to structures: Trees too close to homes or buildings pose a higher risk during storms.
• Inherently weak tree species: Some species, like silver maples or Bradford pears, are more susceptible to wind damage.
• Root problems: Look for signs of root damage, such as heaving soil or exposed roots. Trees exposed to frequent standing water may have loose roots, which can be dangerous during high winds.
• Leaning trees: Trees with a significant lean may indicate root or trunk issues.
• Previous damage: Trees that have suffered damage in past storms may be more vulnerable.

If you notice any of these warning signs, or spot other concerning issues with your trees, take immediate action. Follow the preventive steps outlined below, or contact a certified arborist to assess the risk and recommend solutions to protect your trees and property.

Preventive Measures

Taking steps to protect your trees before a storm can help greatly reduce tornado damage. Here are some of the most effective ways to prepare before that first tornado blows through the area.

Choosing the Right Trees and Planting Locations for Tornado-Prone Areas

If you’re starting with a blank slate, one of the most effective ways to protect trees from tornados is proper tree selection and placement. Choose tree species known for their wind resistance, such as:

• Bur oak
• Sweetgum
• Black gum
• Bald cypress
• Shortleaf pine

When planting, consider the mature size of the tree and its proximity to structures. Avoid planting large-growing species too close to buildings or power lines.

Choose a location where they’ll get the right amount of sun, water, and nutrients in the soil. Planting a tree in its ideal habitat will promote long-term health and strength. The wrong planting location can lead to chronically stressed trees which may be more susceptible to tornado damage.

Consider planting multiple trees in a grove, as opposed to standalone trees. Although they might not grow as tall as a standalone tree, groves of numerous trees are stronger and better at buffering each other from high winds. Creating windbreaks like these can also help protect your home and other trees from the full force of tornado-strength winds.

Pruning and Tree Maintenance Tips for Tornado Resistance

Regular pruning is one of the most important practices for maintaining strong, storm-resistant trees. Proper pruning:

1. Gets rid of dead or weak branches that might break in high winds.
2. Improves the overall structure of the tree, promoting a strong central leader in most species.
3. Potentially reduces wind resistance by thinning the canopy, allowing wind to pass through more easily.
4. Encourages the development of a robust branch structure that can better withstand storm forces.

Improper pruning can lead to weak branch attachments or entry points for decay. For the best results, consider hiring the certified arborists from Mathias Precision Tree Service for a thorough inspection and professional pruning.

Structural Support for Weak or Young Trees

For valuable trees with structural weaknesses, additional support systems can provide extra protection against storm damage:

• Cabling: Installing flexible steel cables between major limbs can reduce stress on weak branch unions and limit excessive movement during high winds.
• Bracing: Using steel rods to reinforce weak crotches or to support split trunks can prevent further damage during storms.
• Staking: For young trees, appropriate staking can help establish strong root systems while allowing enough movement to develop trunk strength.

These support systems should be installed by certified arborists to ensure they’re correctly implemented and don’t cause harm to the tree. While none of these methods can make a tree 100% safe, they certainly increase the chances of long-term success, ideally allowing you to enjoy your trees for many more years.

Soil Improvements to Boost Tree Health and Strength

Healthy soil is the foundation of strong, resilient trees. Here’s how you can improve the quality of soil under your trees:

1. Avoid soil compaction: Compacted soil restricts root growth and water penetration, weakening the tree’s anchor system. Use mulch to protect soil structure and reduce compaction from foot traffic.
2. Fix drainage issues: Too much standing water under trees can loosen roots. Make sure water drains away from trees.
3. Regular fertilization: Based on soil tests, apply appropriate soil amendments to ensure your trees have the nutrients they need for optimal growth and health.
4. Mulching: Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of trees (keeping it away from the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and improve overall soil quality.

Keep Your Property Clean and Free from Debris

As storm season approaches, keeping your yard clean and free of debris is very important to prevent projectiles during a tornado:

• Remove fallen branches and other yard waste promptly.
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Trim back overhanging branches near your home and other structures.

Remove High-Risk Trees

While preservation is usually our goal when it comes to tree care, sometimes tree removal is the safest option for high-risk trees. Consider removal if a tree:

• Is dead or dying
• Has severe structural defects that cannot be corrected
• Is located too close to structures or power lines and poses a significant risk
• Has been severely damaged by previous storms
• Is stressed due to a poor planting location

A professional assessment by a certified arborist from Mathias Precision Tree Service can help you make informed decisions about whether to remove or try to save a questionable tree.

No matter how healthy or well-structured a tree is, it can still be severely damaged or destroyed by a tornado. Even the strongest trees are vulnerable in extreme weather. But stronger, healthier, prepared trees stand much more of a chance when storms eventually blow through.

What to Do After a Tornado

In the aftermath of a tornado, prompt and proper care for your trees is essential:

1. Safety first: Stay clear of downed power lines and unstable or fallen trees. Contact your utility company immediately if you see damaged power lines.
2. Assess the damage: Once it’s safe, survey your property for tree damage. Look for uprooted or leaning trees, split trunks or major limbs, broken branches still attached to the tree, and stripped bark.
3. Immediate action: If you notice hazardous branches or trees that pose an immediate risk to people or property, call Mathias Precision Tree Service for emergency tree removal or pruning.
4. Professional inspection: Even if damage isn’t immediately apparent, it’s wise to have an arborist inspect your trees to ensure they are safe and likely to survive and thrive in the future.
5. Proper pruning: For salvageable trees, damaged branches should be pruned to support the tree’s recovery. Clean cuts and selective pruning can help trees heal and regain their structure.
6. Ongoing care: Trees that survive a tornado may be stressed and require extra attention. Provide supplemental water during dry periods and monitor for signs of pest infestation or disease.

Safety is the most important thing. If anything seems “off” with your trees after a tornado, have an ISA-Certified Arborist inspect them right away.

Protect Your Trees, Protect Your Property

Preparing your trees for tornado season is an investment in the safety and beauty of your property. By understanding the risks, assessing your trees, and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the potential for damage and ensure your yard is beautiful for many years to come.

Remember, professional care from Mathias Precision Tree Service can make all the difference in protecting your valuable trees and property from tornado damage. Don’t wait for the next storm to strike – call us today at 314-322-7690 to set up an inspection with our expert arborists.