Lake Erie occasionally experiences extremely large storm surges whose size and abruptness cannot be effectively described by standard resonance theory. In this blog, we talk about how to reduce wind and storm damage to trees on your property. Yes, these strategies can be used in other areas as well!
Cold Weather Tree Care Erie
When most people think of Lake Erie, they envision it as just a lake. While Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes are technically lakes, they function more like a small inland ocean. They have a significantly higher impact on the climate and weather conditions of the millions of people who live along their borders than a conventional lake.
Lake Erie Winds
Even though Lake Erie experiences particularly beautiful and serene summers, the fall and winter months can bring chilly temperatures and strong winds. For both people and plants, this results in extremely difficult circumstances. Anyway, how to prevent tree damage during Erie’s high winds? Trees frequently inflict major damage when exposed to strong winds, whether it’s by falling on vehicles or homes or power lines. However, homeowners in Erie can reduce the likelihood that trees will cause damage or injury by adopting certain safety measures.
Several Methods for Preparing Trees

Landscaping Choices
Choosing the correct trees from the beginning is one of the finest methods to proactively hurricane-proof your yard. Preventive measures can be greatly enhanced by selecting trees that are naturally resistant to wind. The most hurricane-safe plants have a wide base, flexible branches, and trunks that are at least 12 inches in diameter. Trees can also be planted in groups of three or more, giving each tree room to flourish while still being close enough to support one another in the event of stronger winds.
Allow appropriate space for trees’ roots, and keep them at least 20 feet away from electricity lines. To avoid structural damage, trees should be positioned at an appropriate distance from the home. Some trees that horticulturalists consider more hurricane-resistant include royal palms, sabal palms, and cabbage palms, as well as
willows and poplars. Evergreen trees snap easily and should be avoided when possible.
Protect Trees from Winds Erie

Trimming and Pruning
Generally speaking, trees with strong branches can withstand hurricane-force winds. Pruning and trimming your trees before the season begins is one of the greatest ways to keep them healthy. Pruning is the process of removing dead or diseased branches from trees. Branches that are broken or split should be removed, as should deadwood and loose branches that can break off and cause damage during a severe storm. Since dead fronds are more likely to fall off during a storm, they should be removed when pruning palm palms. Cultivating a dense canopy can also increase the wind resistance of a group of palm trees. Decayed barks, weak branches, and V-shaped branches all signal areas of weakness that should be addressed before the season begins.
Clean-Up After a Hurricane
It’s essential to clear away fallen trees, branches, and leaves following a hurricane. Uprooted trees, typically identified by an exposed root ball, should be removed immediately. It can also be necessary to remove a tree that is still standing but has significant damage. However, a professional tree service can make recommendations on how to save the tree, if possible.
KD Tree Services is pleased to work with Erie’s communities to properly and efficiently recycle organic wood waste into nutrient-rich composts and soil amendments, in addition to cleaning up organic wood waste following significant storms.
What do I need to know?
Even though you can’t construct a house that can support the weight and force of a big tree, you may design and maintain your landscape to lessen the chance that a tree will fall on your house. So, when assessing your yard, take into account three factors: location, species, and tree health. Trees should be placed far enough away from your house so that they will not fall without damage it. Make sure the distance between your house and any surrounding trees is more than the height of the fully grown tree.
Winter Tree Protection Tips Erie

Step-by-step guide to winterizing trees in Erie
While regular tree maintenance can help safeguard your home from major storms, there are situations when you should consult an arborist. Arborists are trained to assess tree health, fix structural issues, and provide expert care to ensure the long-term safety and stability of your trees.
Tree Wind Prep Erie, Times to contact an arborist:
- Tree removal: If a tree poses a risk to neighbouring structures or individuals, an arborist can safely remove it to prevent additional damage. This is especially crucial when the tree is leaning, uprooted, or decaying.
- Severe storm damage: If a tree suffers substantial damage, such as massive broken limbs or cracks in the trunk, an arborist can decide whether the tree may be preserved or removed for safety.
- Regular inspections: The best method to make sure your trees are healthy and prepared for storms is to schedule routine inspections with an arborist. Arborists are able to recognize potential risks and offer advice on how to keep your trees strong and stable.
Finally,
To keep the trees on your property as healthy as possible, it is extremely important to have your trees pruned back every so often. A great method to enhance a tree’s look and lengthen its life is to prune it. However, extreme or insufficient tree trimming might have detrimental effects. For this reason, you should let our skilled, local professionals like KD Tree Services take care of your tree care needs.