Storm Season Is No Joke in East Texas
Living in Humble, Baytown, Spring, or anywhere in the surrounding area means living with hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms. Every year from June through November, homeowners across the region watch the Gulf of Mexico nervously. And every year, trees that were not properly maintained become projectiles, crush roofs, block driveways, and knock out power.
The good news? Most storm damage to trees is preventable with proper preparation. At José Hernández Tree Service, we have helped homeowners across Humble, Dayton, Baytown, Spring, The Woodlands, and Conroe prepare for — and recover from — every major storm over the past 25 years, including Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda, and the devastating 2024 derecho.
5 Steps to Storm-Proof Your Trees
1. Schedule a Pre-Season Inspection
Walk your property (or have a professional do it) and look for warning signs: dead branches, cracks in the trunk, mushrooms growing at the base, heavy lean, or roots lifting out of the ground. Any tree showing these signs needs immediate attention. Contact us to book a free inspection.
2. Crown Thinning
This is the single most effective way to reduce storm damage. Crown thinning removes select interior branches to reduce the density of the canopy. Wind passes through a thinned canopy instead of catching it like a parachute. We recommend thinning 15–20% of the crown on large oaks and other broadleaf trees before hurricane season.
3. Remove Deadwood
Dead branches are the first to fall in high winds. They are also unpredictable — they can snap and launch in any direction. Deadwood removal is fast, affordable, and dramatically reduces the risk of damage to your home, car, and fence during a storm.
4. Address Hazard Trees
Some trees are beyond saving. If a tree is severely rotted, hollow, or leaning dangerously toward your home, removing it before the storm is far cheaper and safer than dealing with it after. Our crew handles hazard tree removal across Humble, Spring, Baytown, and surrounding areas with the equipment and insurance to do it right.
5. Clear the Drop Zone
Move patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and other loose items away from large trees before a storm. If a branch falls, you do not want it hitting (or launching) anything that can cause secondary damage.
What About Young Trees?
Newly planted trees (under 3 years old) may need staking to survive high winds. Use flexible straps — not wire — and check them monthly. Over-staking prevents the tree from developing a strong trunk, so remove stakes once the tree can stand on its own.
After the Storm: What to Do
If a storm hits and trees come down on your property, stay away from any tree touching power lines — call CenterPoint Energy first. For everything else, call José Hernández Tree Service at (713) 291-6992. Our emergency storm cleanup crew is available 24/7 throughout hurricane season.
Do not wait for the first named storm to take action. Schedule your pre-season tree inspection now — we serve Humble, Dayton, Baytown, Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, and all surrounding areas. Affordable options and fair pricing. Book your consultation today.