Summer Storms: Spot Tree Trouble Before It Breaks
Ah, July. Blue skies and backyard barbecues. Weather that, if you are like me, you enjoy under the sun while your kids frolic in the yard with a water gun in one hand and a popsicle in the other. However, I have many times woken up on a July morning and wondered if the party might be rained out. The skies tend to look ominous at dawn, heavy with clouds that seem ready to deliver a daylong downpour—or continue one that’s already in progress.
But as the sun grows higher in the early morning sky, the clouds begin to break, and aside from the damp grass or a few puddles, you’d hardly know a storm had passed through at all. You might even find yourself asking, “Did it rain last night?“ or “Where did that storm go?” But in the Great Plains, that’s just how summer works.
Storms That Pass in the Night—But Leave a Mark
Much of the region’s rainfall arrives quietly (sometimes not so quietly) overnight. These nighttime storms are so consistent and widespread that they account for more than 40% of the annual rainfall in some areas, according to NASA. Thunderstorms Rumble over the Great Plains | NASA Global Precipitation Measurement Mission
But while they bring much-needed rain, they can also mean trouble for your trees! Extremely severe events can destroy fields, damage homes, and even endanger lives. And they’re more common than you might think: over 3,000 damaging wind reports are logged each month in July alone across the U.S. (Destructive Severe Storm Winds Are Most Common Now | Weather.com). Despite the calm that follows in the morning, the threat of high winds, saturated soils, and storm-weakened trees is very real.
Tree Trouble: Understanding the Windsail Effect
It’s no surprise that summer weather is one of the leading causes of tree failure! This is when fully leafed-out trees become more vulnerable, acting like sails in strong winds. It’s a phenomenon known as the “windsail effect”, when dense summer foliage catches wind like a parachute, increasing the risk of branch breakage or even uprooting. Understanding Windsail Effect & Its Impact on Trees
Besides the windsail effect, heavy summer rains can saturate soil to the point that roots no longer grip firmly—think of the ground turning into a loose “gravy.” Studies show that saturated soil can reduce a tree’s resistance to being toppled by 35–50%, and wind may not even be necessary to cause tree failure. Plus, waterlogged soils suffocate roots over time, weakening them. Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Don’t Wait—Assess Your Trees Now
After summer storms have rolled through, there may not be obvious signs of damage, and many homeowners may not realize their trees have been weakened until another storm rolls through. The good news? A simple check today could prevent costly damage or injury tomorrow! Inspect trees for structural weaknesses. Look for signs of decay, splitting, or overextended limbs and schedule any necessary pruning or professional evaluation before fall.
If your trees are large, near buildings, or showing multiple warning signs, it’s probably time to contact a certified arborist. They can provide a risk assessment and help develop a plan for long-term tree health and safety. And if your tree is large, near structures, or showing multiple red flags, it’s time to call in a professional. Read: How to Select an Arborist.
Up Next on the Blog: Can You Storm-Proof Your Landscape? We’ll highlight tree species that hold up better in wind and share how smart planting choices today can reduce storm damage down the road. Stay tuned!
