Safeguarding Your Property Against Severe Summer Storms

J Mead • July 13, 2026

Proactive Tree Care

Summer in Maryland brings predictable patterns of high humidity, but it also brings increasingly unpredictable weather. From sudden microbursts and severe thunderstorms to the remnants of tropical systems, our local canopy takes a beating every year. As arborists serving Howard, Frederick, Montgomery, and Carroll counties, we frequently see the aftermath of these storms: blocked driveways from Frederick to Columbia, power outages from Woodbine to Ellicott City, and costly structural property damage that could have been entirely prevented. When a storm hits, healthy trees generally bend and adapt. When a tree fails, it is rarely a random act of nature—it is usually the final snapping point for a pre-existing structural weakness or underlying health issue.

The Anatomy of a Storm Failure: What We Look For

​To protect your property, you need to know what to look for. During a professional pre-storm assessment, an ISA Certified Arborist evaluates the entire tree—from the root flare to the upper canopy—looking for specific red flags:

  • Structural Defects and Co-Dominant Stems: Trees with V-shaped crotches (two large trunks growing close together) often have "included bark." This prevents the tree from forming a strong physical connection, making it highly susceptible to splitting right down the middle under high winds. Leaning and partially uprooted trees are also at risk.
  • Poor Canopy Architecture: Species like the Bradford pear are notorious in Maryland for their dense, top-heavy canopies and weak branch attachments. Without regular structural pruning, they act like sails in a storm, catching the wind until the entire tree fails. White pines are subject to uprooting and branch breakage due to shallow root systems and long branches of soft wood.
  • Decay and Internal Cavities: Deep cracks, hollow trunks, or wood-decay fungi (mushrooms) growing around the root flare indicate compromised structural integrity. The tree may look green on top, but it is hollow or rotting inside.
  • Root System Compromise and Soil Saturation: Torrential rains saturate our Maryland clay, weakening the soil's grip on root systems. We look for "root heave" (soil lifting or cracking near the base) or recent construction damage that may have severed critical structural anchor roots.
  • Deadwood: Large, dead limbs overhanging your roof, driveway, or power lines are immediate hazards. They lack flexibility and are the first things to snap when the wind picks up.


Mitigation: Pruning vs. Removal

​Our primary goal as arborists is always preservation. Through target tree pruning and canopy thinning, we can significantly reduce wind resistance and weight, allowing air to flow safely through the tree rather than pushing it over. However, if an inspection reveals a tree with extensive internal decay or leaning toward a structure, proactive tree removal is the safest, most responsible choice. Removing a hazardous tree on a calm Tuesday is a controlled, precise operation. Dealing with that same tree after it has crashed through a roof at 2:00 AM during a torrential downpour is a dangerous, chaotic crisis.

Rapid Response: Emergency Storm Damage Cleanup

​Even with the best preparation, extreme weather can occasionally override a tree's natural defenses. When disaster strikes, emergency tree removal requires specialized rigging equipment, crane operations, and a deep understanding of physics to safely remove tons of fallen timber from compromised structures without causing further damage. ​If you experience storm damage, stay clear of downed trees—especially those entangled in utility lines—and contact a fully insured, professional tree service immediately.

Partner with Local Certified Arborists

​Don't wait for the next severe weather warning to find out if your canopy is secure. Mead Tree & Turf Care brings decades of regional experience, specialized equipment, and certified expertise to every propertyContact Mead Tree & Turf Care today to schedule a comprehensive tree inspection with an ISA Certified Arborist. We proudly provide tree pruning, hazard mitigation, and 24/7 emergency storm cleanup for homeowners across Howard, Frederick, Montgomery, and Carroll counties and the surrounding central Maryland area.

tree care services
June 17, 2026
Are you looking for tree care services? To learn why it's a great investment, read on or contact Mead Tree & Turf Care Inc today!
May 19, 2026
After a long and punishing winter, spring has finally settled into Maryland for good — and now is the perfect time to walk your property and take a close look at your trees and shrubs. The winter of 2026 brought weeks of frozen ground, repeated cold snaps, and heavy stress on landscapes throughout the region. Then came the early spring warm-up that pushed many flowering trees and ornamentals into bloom far too soon. When temperatures plunged again during the hard freeze of April 21–22, the damage was widespread, even devastating vineyard crops across parts of Maryland. Homeowners may now be seeing the effects in their own yards. Trees and shrubs that appeared healthy last year could be struggling with split bark, dead branch tips, delayed leaf growth, or sparse canopies. Flowering trees such as dogwoods, cherries, magnolias, and redbuds may have lost buds or suffered tissue damage from the sudden temperature swing. Evergreens and foundation shrubs may also show winter burn, browning, or dieback caused by prolonged frozen soil and drying winds. Storm stress and freeze damage can also weaken limbs, making them more vulnerable to breakage during summer storms. Cracks in trunks, hanging branches, and fungal growth are all signs that a professional inspection may be needed. Now is the ideal time to schedule tree care before summer heat adds additional stress. A tree care professional can identify winter damage to your trees and shrubs early, safely remove hazardous limbs, prune dead growth, and provide plant health care treatments such as fertilizer or fungicide, helping protect the long-term health and appearance of your landscape. Early attention today can prevent costly problems later in the season. Our certified arborists at Mead Tree & Turf Care can assess your trees and make recommendations for the best course of action. Call 301-854-5990 or email info@meadtree.com to schedule.
tree services
March 24, 2026
In the aftermath of natural disasters, professional tree services become essential for cleanup, restoring safety, and ensuring stability. Read on to learn more!
tree care
February 27, 2026
A comprehensive approach to tree care can greatly enhance your property's aesthetic and health. Read on to learn more about professional tree services!
local tree service contractors
October 20, 2025
Professional tree service contractors provide expert care, safety, and lasting value, ensuring your trees stay healthy, beautiful, and maintained year-round.
By J Mead October 17, 2025
Pruning Trees in Winter
By J mead June 19, 2025
“The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is the trade association of more than 2,000 commercial tree care firms and affiliated companies. TCIA develops safety and education programs, standards of tree care practice, and management information for arboriculture firms around the world. Through TCIA’s Accreditation Program, consumers can be assured of hiring a professional, ethical tree care company that has been inspected by TCIA for proper business practices, professional employees, and quality service and customer satisfaction”. (1) Mead Tree & Turf Care was the first tree care company in Maryland to receive TCIA Accreditation, initially in 2005, and every 3 years thereafter. We have just reached our 20th year of accreditation! The accreditation process has helped our company strive for the highest standards of service and safety, and we look forward to providing our customers with the best tree and landscaping care possible. You can read more about TCIA Accreditation at this link: https://treecareindustryassociation.org/business-support/business-solutions/accreditation/ (1) www.tcia.org
tree services
May 21, 2025
Do you have trees on your property that need servicing? Read this blog to learn about the importance of quality tree services today.
By 7016257165 March 4, 2025
Although Maryland weather is still hanging on to winter, spring officially starts this month on March 20. This is the ideal time to start thinking about your yard, and getting ready for warmer weather. To give your landscape the boost it needs for a long season of healthy and attractive plants, have an arborist from Mead Tree & Turf Care survey your yard to assess the condition of your trees, and identify problems on your property that need to be addressed. Trees will be checked for: Dead wood, cavities, or peeling bark Signs of root decay Branches overhanging sidewalks, roofs, or overhead wires Poor structure due to multiple lead branches, rubbing branches, or weak crotches Early signs of insect infestation Trees may require pruning, cabling, lightning protection, or removal. This work can be done at any time of year. Treatment for disease or insects and fertilization can be planned for spring. Beds will be checked for leaves, debris, and old mulch that requires removal. Shrubs will be checked for dead wood, signs of insects, and any that will require fertilization or pruning in early spring. This is a good time to get on our schedule for bed cleanup and mulching. Keeping your turf healthy requires work, constant vigilance, and care. Mead Tree & Turf Care can make lawn care easy with our turf care programs. Weeds and insect infestations on lawns are usually symptoms, with the real problem being an unhealthy lawn. A properly maintained and healthy lawn can withstand invasive insects and out-compete weeds for sunlight, water and soil. In addition to proper mowing and watering, reduction of disease problems in established turf is accomplished by changes in cultural practices such as fertilization, core aeration, balancing the PH, and soil testing - all services we provide. An early start to caring for your trees and lawn can resolve problems before they escalate. Call Mead Tree & Turf Care today to schedule your property inspection. We will make recommendations that allow you to enjoy a beautiful and healthy yard this spring and summer.
tree care
January 2, 2025
Understanding the essentials of tree care can make a significant difference. Explore fascinating facts that every tree care specialist wishes you knew.