Tips to protect your trees and home from wind and rain damage

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Strong wind and heavy rain can cause serious damage to trees, homes, and nearby structures, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where storms are common. The good news is that a lot of storm damage is preventable with the right preparation. From tree care to drainage and structural maintenance, taking action before the next big storm can save you money and stress later. Below is a practical, homeowner-friendly list of the top things you can do to reduce wind and rain damage on your property.

1. Start with a full property risk assessment

Walk your property and look for obvious risks like leaning trees, low-hanging branches, poor drainage, or loose outdoor structures. Identifying vulnerabilities early gives you time to fix problems before a storm exposes them. Pay close attention to anything near your home, driveway, or power lines. These areas carry the highest risk during wind and rain events and should be prioritized first when planning repairs or maintenance.

2. Schedule professional tree care and pruning

Trees are one of the biggest risk factors during windstorms, especially if they have dead limbs, poor structure, or root issues. Working with experienced professionals helps ensure trees are properly pruned, inspected, and stabilized to handle strong winds and heavy rain.

3. Remove dead or hazardous trees before they fall

Dead, diseased, or severely leaning trees are far more likely to fail during storms. Proactive removal is much safer and less expensive than dealing with emergency damage after a tree comes down on a home or vehicle. Trees that already show signs of decline rarely improve on their own. Fungal growth, hollow trunks, cracked limbs, or soil lifting around the base are all warning signs that failure may be imminent. Addressing these issues early allows removals or corrective work to be done safely and on your schedule, rather than during an emergency when damage and costs are often much higher.

4. Secure outdoor furniture and detached structures

Patio furniture, grills, sheds, and decorative items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Anchor what you can and store lighter items indoors when storms are forecasted.

5. Keep gutters, downspouts, and roofs maintained

Clogged gutters and loose shingles allow water to back up and enter your home. Regular roof inspections and clean drainage systems help rainwater flow safely away from the structure.

6. Improve drainage around your foundation

Poor drainage can lead to flooding, erosion, and foundation damage. Make sure downspouts extend away from the home and that soil grading slopes outward to prevent water from pooling. During prolonged rain, even small drainage issues can compound quickly. Water that consistently pools near the foundation can weaken soil, stress concrete, and create moisture problems inside the home. Improving drainage early helps protect both structural integrity and landscaping while reducing the risk of costly repairs after major storms.

7. Reinforce doors, windows, and entry points

High winds can force water through weak seals and older windows. Weatherstripping, storm-rated doors, and reinforced windows reduce both wind pressure and water intrusion.

8. Plant wind-resistant landscaping

Strategic landscaping can help slow wind and reduce erosion. Choose deep-rooted, wind-tolerant plants and avoid shallow-rooted trees too close to buildings. Spacing and placement matter just as much as plant selection, so be sure to leave adequate distance between mature trees and structures to prevent root damage, falling limbs, and excessive wind load during storms.

9. Address slopes and erosion-prone areas

If your property has hills or exposed soil, heavy rain can cause runoff and instability. Groundcover plants, retaining walls, or drainage improvements can help keep soil in place.

10. Prepare for storms before they arrive

Have a storm plan that includes trimming schedules, emergency contacts, and knowledge of utility shutoffs. Being prepared reduces panic and helps you respond quickly if damage occurs.

Regular maintenance will keep your home safe

Storm damage is often the result of long-term neglect rather than one bad weather event. With regular maintenance and a proactive approach, you can greatly reduce the risk that wind and rain pose to your trees, home, and structures. If trees are a concern on your property, starting with a professional inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make before the next storm hits.

Jonah Kirangi works for Bremerton Tree Care.