Preparing Your Trees for Napa’s Fall Storms

August 27, 2025

Napa’s fall weather may look calm, but storm season can bring sudden wind, heavy rain, and even the occasional lightning strike. For homeowners, this can mean falling limbs, damaged trees, and potential property hazards. Properly preparing your trees before a storm hits not only protects your yard but can save you money and stress in the long run.



At Mike’s Tree Service, we help Napa residents keep their trees safe, healthy, and storm-ready. Here’s how you can prepare your trees this fall.

Professional pruning to prepare Napa tree for fall storms.

Inspect Your Trees Early

Start by walking your yard and inspecting each tree for:



  • Dead or weakened branches – These are the most likely to break during a storm.

  • Leaning trees or exposed roots – These can be signs of instability.

  • Signs of disease or pests – Trees under stress are more vulnerable to storm damage.

Pro Tip: If you notice anything concerning, call a professional arborist. DIY pruning can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Prune for Safety

Pruning is key to reducing storm damage. Focus on:



  • Removing dead, broken, or crossing branches.

  • Thinning dense areas to reduce wind resistance.

  • Cutting back branches near roofs, fences, or power lines.

Proper pruning balances the tree’s structure and reduces the risk of falling limbs.

Water and Mulch

Even in fall, Napa can have dry spells. Well-watered trees are healthier and more resilient against storms.



  • Water trees deeply once a week if rainfall is insufficient.

  • Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots.

Secure Your Property

  • Clear your yard of loose items that could become projectiles.

  • Stake young trees to provide stability during heavy winds.

  • Ensure nearby power lines are clear of branches—call the utility company or a certified arborist for assistance.

📞 Call the Experts

Preparing your trees for fall storms is not just about aesthetics—it’s about safety. Mike’s Tree Service offers professional pruning, tree inspection, and emergency storm damage services in Napa, CA.


Protect your property and your loved ones by scheduling a fall tree inspection today.

📞 Call us now or request a free consultation online!

September 24, 2025
Trusted tree service in Napa Valley for over 50 years. Mike’s Tree Service offers safe, affordable tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and emergency services. Call today for a free estimate!
September 10, 2025
When a tree comes down, many Napa homeowners are left with an eyesore: the stump. At first glance it may seem harmless, but ignoring a tree stump can quickly lead to bigger problems. From pests to property damage, delaying stump removal is a mistake. That’s why Mike’s Tree Service in Napa, CA offers expert stump grinding and tree removal services to keep your property safe and beautiful.
Tall trees in a forest, viewed from a low angle, with mossy ground and dappled sunlight.
September 3, 2025
Prepare your Napa Valley property for fall fire season. Mike’s Tree Service offers expert pruning, defensible space creation, and fire-safe landscaping.
August 20, 2025
In Napa Valley , the transition from a long, dry summer to the first rains of fall brings a welcome change. But for homeowners and vineyard managers, this shift also signals a season of risk: fall storms.  Heavy rain and strong winds, combined with drought-stressed trees, can lead to broken branches, uprooted trees, and costly damage to homes, vehicles, and vineyard infrastructure. The good news? With proper preparation, much of this storm damage is preventable .
August 13, 2025
Discover how trees impact vineyard microclimates in Napa Valley. Mike’s Tree Service explains strategic tree management to improve grape quality and yield.
August 6, 2025
Trees are a big part of what makes Napa Valley beautiful. They offer shade, privacy, and value to your property. But sometimes, a tree outgrows its space, becomes a hazard, or starts to decline—and that’s when it may be time to remove it.  At Mike’s Tree Service, we don’t remove trees unless it’s truly necessary. Below are the clear signs that it’s time to say goodbye—and how to do it safely.
July 30, 2025
You may have noticed a once-healthy oak turning brown seemingly overnight — a troubling sign that many Napa Valley residents are seeing more often these days. This sudden decline is often caused by a dangerous disease known as Sudden Oak Death (SOD) , which threatens our region’s iconic oak trees.  In Napa County, thousands of oaks have been lost to this disease in recent years, changing landscapes, impacting local ecosystems, and putting valuable properties at risk. Whether you’re a homeowner, estate manager, vineyard owner, or HOA decision-maker, understanding Sudden Oak Death is essential for protecting your trees and preserving Napa’s natural beauty.
A large log is sitting in the middle of a dirt field.
July 22, 2025
Learn how tree root systems can damage Napa Valley irrigation and drainage. Mike’s Tree Service shares prevention tips and root care solutions.
A truck is cutting a tree in a park
July 17, 2025
Living in Napa Valley wine country means enjoying stunning views, world-class vineyards, and peaceful rural living. But it also means facing a growing wildfire risk . With hotter summers, drier winters, and increasing vegetation density, creating a fire-safe landscape is more than good practice — it’s an absolute necessity.  While many homeowners focus on clearing brush or maintaining lawns, one of the most critical — and most overlooked — aspects of wildfire prevention is proper tree care .
An aerial view of a park with trees and a playground.
July 8, 2025
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across California, Napa Valley homeowners face increasing pressure to protect their properties. With its dry summers, sloping terrain, and abundance of vegetation, Napa is especially vulnerable to fast-moving fires. One of the most effective strategies for safeguarding your home? Proper tree care and defensible space planning.  At Mike’s Tree Service, we specialize in helping Napa County residents reduce fire risk through strategic tree pruning, removals, and wildfire mitigation practices tailored to local conditions.