Why Professional Tree Inspections Are Essential Before Storm Season in Texas

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Importance of Tree Inspection in Texas
2. How Arborist Inspection Keeps Your Property Storm-Ready
3. Common Tree Hazards Discovered During Inspections
4. The Cost of Skipping a Tree Inspection Before Storm Season
5. Signs You Need a Professional Arborist Inspection
6. When and How Often to Schedule an Inspection
7. How to Choose a Qualified Arborist in Texas
8. Protecting Your Property with Ongoing Storm Tree Safety Practices
9. Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Prepared This Storm Season

Key Takeaways

• Regular tree inspection before storm season helps prevent property damage and personal injury.
• Certified arborists can detect structural weaknesses, diseases, and root instability early.
• Investing in arborist inspection ensures storm tree safety and long-term tree health.
• Proactive maintenance reduces emergency costs after storms hit.

In Texas, storm season brings strong winds, heavy rain, and unpredictable weather that can turn healthy-looking trees into serious safety hazards. A professional tree inspection is one of the most important preventive steps homeowners can take to safeguard their property.

Unlike regular visual checks, a professional arborist inspection identifies problems that aren’t always visible — from internal decay to hidden root instability. These subtle issues can cause trees to split or topple during severe storms, leading to costly property damage and safety risks.

By scheduling inspections before storm season begins, you’re not just protecting your landscape — you’re investing in the long-term storm tree safety of your entire property.

Certified arborists specialize in evaluating a tree’s structural integrity, overall health, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. During an arborist inspection, they carefully assess:

• The trunk and major limbs for cracks, cavities, or decay
• Branch structures to identify weak or overextended limbs
• Root systems for signs of damage, rot, or instability
• Foliage color and density to detect stress or disease

These assessments help property owners understand whether a tree needs pruning, cabling, or, in some cases, removal. When properly maintained through professional tree inspection, your trees are more resilient against wind damage, reducing the risk of falling branches or uprooted trees.

In storm-prone areas like Texas, this preparation can make the difference between minimal yard cleanup and thousands of dollars in storm repairs.

Homeowners often underestimate how easily small tree issues can escalate during a storm. A qualified arborist inspection is designed to catch these problems early. Here are some of the most common hazards found during a tree inspection:

1. Weak Branch Unions
   Branches that grow too closely together or at sharp angles are prone to splitting during high winds. Arborists may recommend selective pruning or support cables to prevent breakage.
2. Root Damage or Decay
   Roots anchor the tree, and when they’re compromised — whether by construction, soil compaction, or disease — the entire tree can become unstable. A thorough tree inspection reveals these issues before they turn dangerous.
3. Internal Decay or Cavities
   Even if the tree looks healthy on the outside, decay inside the trunk weakens its structure. Professional equipment like resistographs can detect these hollow areas during inspection.
4. Overgrown or Unbalanced Canopies
   Uneven weight distribution increases the risk of snapping or uprooting during storms. Proper trimming after an arborist inspection helps balance the canopy and reduce strain.
5. Disease and Pest Infestation
   Fungal infections and insect infestations can quickly spread through a tree, weakening it from the inside out. Early detection ensures timely treatment and saves the tree from removal.

Each of these hazards poses a direct threat to storm tree safety. Addressing them early minimizes the risk of emergencies when severe weather hits.

Neglecting a tree inspection may save a little money upfront, but it often leads to far greater costs later. Storms can cause trees to fall onto homes, vehicles, fences, or power lines — resulting in expensive damage, insurance claims, and safety hazards.

Additionally, emergency tree removal after a storm usually costs much more than routine inspection and preventive care.

A professional arborist inspection helps homeowners avoid these situations entirely by identifying risk factors and providing actionable maintenance plans. This proactive approach ensures your property is not only protected but also enhances its curb appeal and value.

If you’re unsure whether your property needs an inspection, look for these early warning signs:

• Cracks or peeling bark on trunks and large branches
• Leaning trees or exposed roots
• Sparse foliage or sudden changes in leaf color
• Fungus or mushrooms growing around the base of the tree
• Dead or falling branches

These symptoms often indicate underlying issues that compromise storm tree safety. Scheduling an arborist inspection as soon as you notice them can prevent costly surprises during storm season.

For Texas homeowners, the ideal time for a tree inspection is late winter or early spring — before storm season begins. This timing allows arborists to make necessary corrections before strong winds and heavy rains arrive.

However, it’s also wise to schedule additional inspections after major weather events. Storms can damage even healthy trees, and follow-up assessments ensure that small issues don’t turn into major problems later on.



As a general rule, properties with large or mature trees should undergo professional arborist inspection at least once a year.

Not all tree care providers have the same level of expertise. When looking for a professional to handle your tree inspection, prioritize certified arborists who have training and credentials from recognized organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Ask for proof of insurance, references, and details about the inspection process. A reputable arborist should provide a clear written report detailing their findings and recommended actions.

Choosing the right expert ensures your storm tree safety plan is based on reliable, science-backed insights.

While professional inspections are the cornerstone of storm tree safety, there are several additional steps you can take to maintain a healthy, secure landscape year-round.

• Regular Pruning – Remove dead or weak branches before they pose a risk.
• Soil Care – Ensure trees receive proper nutrients and avoid soil compaction.
• Mulching – Retain soil moisture and improve root protection.
• Watering – Proper watering keeps trees strong enough to endure drought and storm conditions.
• Monitoring Changes – Keep an eye on your trees’ growth, bark texture, and foliage for any sudden changes.

These simple habits, combined with annual arborist inspection, create a sustainable maintenance routine that keeps your property safe and beautiful no matter the season.

Texas storms are powerful, and their impact can be devastating when trees aren’t properly maintained. A professional tree inspection provides peace of mind, ensuring that hidden structural issues are addressed before they cause serious damage.

Investing in regular arborist inspection isn’t just about protecting your property — it’s about ensuring your family’s safety and preserving the natural beauty of your landscape.

If you’re ready to prepare for storm season and want to make sure your trees are healthy, stable, and storm-ready, contact Fulshear Tree Service LLC today. Their expert team is ready to help you strengthen your trees and secure your property before the next Texas storm hits.