Storm Season Prep: Protecting Your Trees and Property

Kansas City’s storm season brings unpredictable weather—strong winds, heavy rain, ice, and lightning—all of which can take a toll on your trees and property. The good news? Most storm-related tree failures show warning signs long before severe weather hits. Our certified arborists know that proactive care is the key to minimizing damage and keeping your property safe year-round.

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Understanding Why Trees Fail During Storms

Most storm-related tree damage happens for predictable reasons: structural weaknesses, decay, poor branch attachments, or root issues. When high winds hit, these weak points are the first to give way.

Certain factors increase risk:

· Species: Trees like Bradford pears and silver maples have brittle wood prone to splitting.

· Age: Mature trees often conceal internal decay or cavities.

· Location: Trees close to homes, driveways, or power lines have higher consequences if they fail.

That’s why professional tree risk assessments are essential before storm season. Redbird Services provides detailed inspections to identify these vulnerabilities early.

Before storm season arrives, take a few minutes to walk your property—or better yet, schedule an inspection with Redbird Services. Here’s what to look for:

1. Weak Branch Attachments

Check where large limbs meet the trunk. Tight, V-shaped unions often have trapped bark that prevents strong attachment. U-shaped unions are much sturdier and better at handling wind stress.

2. Signs of Decay

Look for fungal growth, hollow-sounding trunks, soft bark, or carpenter ant activity. These are red flags for internal decay that can compromise structural integrity.

3. Leaning Trees and Root Problems

A newly leaning tree—especially with exposed roots on one side—may already be failing. Immediate professional evaluation is recommended.

4. Deadwood in the Canopy

Even healthy trees can have dead or brittle limbs that snap during storms. Removing them ahead of time helps prevent damage to roofs, fences, and vehicles.

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Kansas City’s Unique Storm Risks

Living in the Midwest means dealing with a wide range of severe weather conditions. Each comes with its own challenges for tree health:

• Thunderstorms and Straight-Line Winds – Winds over 70 mph can uproot or snap even healthy trees.

• Ice Storms – Just one inch of ice can add hundreds of pounds to branches, leading to catastrophic failure.

• Tornado Systems – Even when a tornado misses, the surrounding high winds, hail, and lightning can still damage trees across wide areas.

That’s why Redbird Services recommends annual tree inspections to identify risks before these weather events strike.

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How Redbird Services Helps Protect Your Property Our proactive services help Kansas City homeowners minimize storm damage and preserve valuable trees:

•  Expert Tree Pruning

Strategic pruning reduces wind resistance, removes weak limbs, and shapes trees for better balance. We never “top” trees—our approach promotes long-term health and stability.

• Tree Cabling and Bracing

If your trees have weak attachments or split trunks, cabling and bracing systems can provide essential structural support. This is ideal for mature or high-value specimen trees you want to preserve.

• Root Zone Protection

We help protect your trees’ foundation by avoiding soil compaction, maintaining healthy moisture levels, and preventing grade changes that stress roots.

• Annual Tree Assessments

Our certified arborists provide annual health checks to monitor changes in your trees over time—ensuring small issues don’t become major hazards.

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Signs You Should Call Redbird Services Immediately Contact us right away if you notice:

· Large dead branches over roofs, driveways, or play areas

· Visible trunk decay or hollow areas

· Newly leaning trees

· Branches contacting power lines

· Trees damaged in previous storms

These are urgent warning signs that require professional attention before the next storm system moves through Kansas City. What to Do Before and After Severe Weather

Before the Storm:

· Move vehicles away from trees with questionable branches

· Take photos of existing issues for reference

· Avoid DIY trimming—incorrect cuts can make trees more vulnerable

After the Storm:

· Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately

· Be cautious around hanging or cracked branches (“widow makers”)

· Contact Redbird Services for professional damage assessment and safe cleanup

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The Cost of Waiting

Emergency tree removals after storms can cost much more than proactive maintenance. Insurance companies may even deny claims if a lack of tree care contributed to the damage.

Preventive maintenance from Redbird Services not only protects your property but gives you peace of mind knowing your trees are storm-ready. Don’t wait until the next severe weather alert—prepare now.

At Redbird Services, we specialize in:

· Tree risk assessments

· Storm preparation pruning

· Tree cabling and bracing

· Emergency storm cleanup

Our certified arborists serve homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Kansas City metro area, helping protect what matters most—your home, your family, and your trees.

Contact Redbird Services today to schedule your storm readiness inspection and keep your property safe when Kansas City weather turns severe.

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