Every year, Portland homeowners deal with fallen trees, broken branches, roof damage, and power outages during storm season.

The combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and saturated soil can put even healthy-looking trees under stress. While no one can completely prevent storm damage, a little preparation before the first major wind event can significantly reduce the risk. If you have mature trees on your property, here are seven practical steps to take before storm season arrives.

Why Portland Trees Need Extra Attention

Portland is known for its beautiful urban forest. Large Douglas firs, maples, oaks, and other mature trees provide shade, improve air quality, and make neighborhoods more attractive.

The challenge is that many of these trees are growing close to homes, driveways, garages, and power lines.

When fall and winter storms arrive, heavy rain can saturate the soil, making it easier for trees to lean or uproot. Add strong winds to the equation, and even a healthy tree can become a concern. That’s why preparation before storm season is so important.

Step 1: Walk Your Property and Look Up

Many tree problems show warning signs before a failure occurs. Take some time to walk around your property and look for:

• Dead or dying trees
• Large dead branches
• Cracks in the trunk
• Hanging or broken limbs
• Trees that appear to be leaning more than usual
• Mushrooms or fungal growth near the base
• Roots lifting soil or cracking pavement

These issues don’t always mean a tree will fail, but they are signs that the tree deserves closer attention.

Step 2: Identify What Could Be Hit

A simple question can help you prioritize risks:

If this tree fell today, what would it hit?

Consider:

• Your home
• Garage or shed
• Vehicles
• Fences
• Power lines
• Neighboring property

Large trees located close to structures deserve special attention, especially if they are already showing signs of decline.

Step 3: Schedule a Professional Tree Assessment

A visual inspection from the ground is helpful, but it has limits. A qualified arborist can identify issues that homeowners often miss, including internal decay, structural weaknesses, root problems, and branch attachments that may be vulnerable during storms.

An assessment can help determine whether a tree needs pruning, cabling, monitoring, or removal. It’s often easier and less expensive to address a problem before storm season than during an emergency.

Step 4: Take Care of Hazards Before Storm Season

Once potential problems have been identified, it’s best to address them before the weather turns. Common preventative measures include:

Tree Removal

Trees that are dead, severely damaged, or structurally unsound may need to be removed before they become a hazard.

Pruning

Removing dead wood and reducing excess canopy weight can help trees handle wind more effectively.

Cabling and Support Systems

Some trees with structural weaknesses can be stabilized with professionally installed support systems instead of being removed. The right solution depends on the condition of the tree and its location.

Step 5: Understand Local Tree Regulations

Before removing a tree, it’s important to understand local regulations. Portland requires permits for many tree removals, particularly for larger trees. Failing to obtain the proper permit can result in fines and delays.

If you’re unsure whether a permit is required, consult your local municipality or work with a qualified arborist familiar with Portland’s regulations.

Step 6: Know What to Do During a Storm Emergency

Even with proper preparation, storms can still cause damage. If a tree falls or a large branch breaks during a storm:

• Stay away from the area
• Keep children and pets clear
• Never attempt to remove a storm-damaged tree yourself
• Watch for power lines
• Take photos of any damage
• Contact your insurance company if necessary
• Call a qualified emergency tree service if the situation creates a safety hazard

Remember that storm-damaged trees may still be under tension and can shift unexpectedly.

Step 7: Prepare for Easier Cleanup

A few simple preparations can make recovery much easier if a storm does occur.

Before storm season:

• Move vehicles away from large trees when severe weather is forecast
• Secure outdoor furniture and equipment
• Know where your utility shutoff valves are located
• Keep important phone numbers accessible
• Have basic emergency supplies available

These small steps can save valuable time during an emergency.

When Should You Start?

The best time to prepare for storm season is before storm season begins. A simple timeline looks like this:

• Summer: Walk your property, identify concerns, and schedule an assessment.
• Late Summer to Early Fall: Complete recommended pruning, removals, or support work.
• Fall and Winter: Monitor trees after major rain or wind events and watch for new signs of movement or damage.

Conclusion 

Storm season is a fact of life in the Pacific Northwest, but many tree-related emergencies can be reduced with proper preparation. Taking the time to inspect your property, address hazards early, and understand what to do during an emergency can help protect your home, your family, and your trees.

For more articles about tree safety, tree preservation, storm preparation, and arborist best practices, explore the educational resources available on the PDX Tree Service website.