How to Prepare Your Trees for Hurricane Season in North Carolina
Hurricane season runs June through November, and Central North Carolina catches tropical systems, ice storms and summer downbursts. The cheapest storm cleanup is the one you prevent.
Remove deadwood before the wind does
Dead limbs become projectiles. A pre-season pruning pass removes the material most likely to come down on your roof, car or fence.
Thin dense canopies
A thick canopy acts like a sail. Proper crown thinning lets wind pass through, which dramatically reduces the chance of the whole tree failing.
Deal with the trees you already know about
The leaning pine you've been watching, the dead oak near the driveway — storm season is when those trees make the decision for you. Scheduled removal is far cheaper than emergency work at 2 a.m.
After the storm
Stay clear of downed lines, don't try to move a tree off a structure yourself, and photograph damage for insurance. If a tree is on your house, car or driveway, call us at (919) 708-8422 — we answer emergency calls 24 hours a day.
Questions about your trees?
Estimates are free across Central North Carolina.
Common questions
When is hurricane season in North Carolina?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the peak from August through October. Central NC also gets damaging ice storms in winter.
What should I do if a tree falls on my house during a storm?
Get everyone to safety, stay away from downed power lines, then call Kapok at (919) 708-8422. We answer emergency calls 24 hours a day and document the damage for your insurance claim.
Does trimming trees really help in a hurricane?
Yes. Removing deadwood and thinning dense canopies lets wind pass through and removes the limbs most likely to break — one of the most effective ways to reduce storm damage.