How to Prepare Your Trees for Storm Season in the UK

Practical Tips from the Experts at Browns Tree Solutions

As UK weather grows increasingly unpredictable, the risks to your property rise, especially from unmanaged trees. High winds, waterlogged roots, and sudden temperature shifts can all turn a healthy-looking tree into a hazard. But here’s the good news: most storm damage is preventable.

At Browns Tree Solutions, we combine expert knowledge with decades of experience to help homeowners safeguard their trees, and their homes, before the weather turns.

Here’s what you need to know (and do) to get your trees storm-ready.

Why Storm Season is Dangerous for Trees

Storms are a natural test of structural integrity. The combination of wind, rain, and saturated soil can:

Snap branches
Uproot weakened trees
Expose fungal decay or pest infestations
Cause falling limbs that damage roofs, vehicles or power lines

Even a seemingly healthy tree can fail under pressure if small issues go undetected.

7 Ways to Storm-Proof Your Trees

1. Book a Tree Health Inspection

Start with a professional assessment. At Browns Tree Solutions, we check for:

Hidden cracks
Weak unions
Root damage
Signs of disease or decay

This gives you a clear picture of risk, and a plan to reduce it.

2. Remove Dead or Diseased Wood

Dead branches act like sails in the wind and are the first to fall. We remove them with precision, improving safety and promoting healthier growth.

3. Reduce Crown Density

A dense canopy catches more wind. Strategic crown thinning allows air to pass through, reducing wind resistance while keeping your tree balanced and healthy.

4. Install Cabling or Bracing

For valuable or heritage trees with weak limbs or dual trunks, cabling can add structural support. This is a highly specialised service, best left to trusted arborists.

5. Mulch Around the Base

Mulch helps retain moisture, protect roots from temperature swings, and reduce soil erosion around the tree base during heavy rain.

6. Check for Root Compaction

Driveways, foot traffic, and poor drainage can weaken root systems. Where needed, we improve aeration or drainage to stabilise the tree from the ground up.

7. Know When to Let Go

Sometimes, removal is the safest and most responsible option, especially when a tree is too close to your property or irreparably damaged. We offer safe, insured removals with minimal disruption.

Cutting down tree for safety before storm

Local Insight: Why This Matters in the UK

With milder winters and more frequent storms, UK trees are under increasing stress. According to the Met Office, storm frequency and intensity are expected to rise over the coming decade. Don’t wait for the damage to be done, prevention is faster, cheaper, and far safer.

Act Now, Stay Safe Later

At Browns Tree Solutions, we’ve been helping homeowners protect their trees and properties for over 25 years. We’re a family-run team of expert arborists with a reputation for quality, care, and peace of mind.