Oklahoma’s storm season brings high winds, heavy rain, and the occasional ice event — all of which can put tremendous stress on trees. While healthy, well-maintained trees can withstand most weather events, neglected or structurally weak trees often fail, causing property damage or injury.
At Mercer Tree Service, our certified arborists in Edmond, OK help homeowners prepare their trees before storms strike. Here’s what you can do to protect your property and ensure your trees remain strong year-round.
1. Schedule a Certified Arborist Inspection
A professional tree inspection is the first step in preventing storm damage. An ISA Certified Arborist can identify issues that aren’t always visible to the untrained eye — such as internal decay, root instability, or weak branch unions.
Our team evaluates each tree’s overall structure, canopy balance, and proximity to buildings, power lines, and driveways. Early detection of these problems allows for corrective pruning or support systems before high winds arrive.
2. Reduce Weight Through Structural Pruning
Excessive canopy weight is one of the main causes of storm-related failure. Weight reduction pruning removes overextended or weakened limbs while preserving the tree’s natural shape.
Strategic pruning helps improve airflow, reduce wind resistance, and direct the tree’s energy into healthy, stable growth. Mercer Tree Service follows ANSI A300 pruning standards, ensuring each cut benefits the tree long-term.
3. Consider Cabling or Bracing for Vulnerable Trees
Trees with multiple stems or heavy lateral limbs can often be stabilized through dynamic bracing or static cabling systems. These supports reduce the chance of splitting or complete failure under wind stress.
Our arborists evaluate each case individually to determine whether tree bracing or cabling is appropriate, using systems rated for strength and flexibility.
4. Improve Root Health and Soil Strength
Healthy roots are the foundation of a storm-resistant tree. Over time, soil compaction and nutrient deficiencies can weaken root systems. Soil aeration, nutrient injections, and tree growth regulators (TGR) can strengthen roots and limit excessive canopy growth, creating a more balanced, wind-resistant structure.
Our Plant Health Care (PHC) program focuses on long-term stability — feeding the roots, improving drainage, and building resilience from the ground up.
5. Remove Dead or High-Risk Trees
Sometimes, the safest option is removal. Trees with extensive decay, dead canopies, or severe lean should be taken down before a storm does it for you.
Mercer Tree Service provides crane-assisted and technical removals throughout Edmond and Oklahoma City, with full cleanup and disposal included. Our goal is to protect your property before severe weather arrives — not after.
6. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Tree care isn’t a one-time task. Annual inspections, pruning, and soil treatments ensure your landscape stays safe and attractive. By maintaining trees year after year, you reduce the risk of emergency removals and costly storm damage repairs.
Protect Your Property Before the Next Storm
Oklahoma weather is unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. A certified arborist can identify risks early and create a customized maintenance plan to keep your trees strong and storm-ready.
If you’re in Edmond, Oklahoma City, or surrounding areas, contact Mercer Tree Service to schedule a storm preparation inspection or tree health evaluation today.
