North Mississippi Storm Season Tree Checklist for Homeowners
North Mississippi gets two real storm seasons: spring, when squall lines and tornado warnings roll in from the Delta, and late summer into fall, when thunderstorms and tropical remnants bring wind and soaked ground. Winter adds the occasional ice storm.
Most trees that fail in a storm showed warning signs beforehand. Twenty minutes walking your yard with this checklist can tell you whether you need a professional look before the next warning.
Key Takeaways
- Check canopy, trunk and roots before each storm season.
- Hanging broken limbs and dead tops are common storm hazards.
- Saturated red clay lets trees tip over whole in wind.
- Anything that could hit a structure or line deserves a pro look.
Look Up: The Canopy
Dead limbs without leaves in the growing season, broken branches hanging in the canopy (often called hangers) and thin, sparse tops are all signs of a tree that could drop wood in wind.
Pay extra attention to anything hanging over the roof, driveway, play areas or the power line to your house.
Look at the Trunk
Cracks, cavities, missing bark, fungus or mushrooms growing from the trunk and two trunks joined in a tight V are common weak points. A V shaped union with bark pinched between the stems is a frequent place for trees to split.
Look Down: Roots and Soil
Soil heaving or cracking on one side, roots cut by recent digging, mushrooms at the base and a new lean are serious signs. Our red clay soils hold water after heavy rain, and saturated clay grips roots poorly, which is why trees fall whole during wet, windy storms.
When to Call a Professional
If a tree with any of these signs could hit a house, car, driveway or line, have it assessed. A free estimate costs nothing; an emergency removal after it lands on the roof costs far more.