Storm Season in Melbourne: How to Prepare Your Trees for High Winds

Summer storms and sudden cold fronts can roll through Melbourne with little warning. Strong gusts, saturated soil and heavy rain put pressure on branches and root systems. The good news? A few smart steps before the weather turns can greatly reduce risk to people, roofs, fences and cars.

Why Preparation Matters

Most storm damage we see is preventable. Small defects become big failures under wind load. A pre‑season check and sensible pruning make trees more resilient and predictable. If you manage multiple trees or a larger property, our overview of Melbourne tree management and safety is a handy companion guide.

Pre‑Storm Inspection Checklist

• Look for cracks at the base or along major limbs.
• Check for lean or freshly heaved soil around the root plate.
• Identify deadwood and hanging branches.
• Assess canopy balance – heavy, one‑sided growth can fail in gusts.

If you’re unsure what’s risky and what’s normal, this guide to signs you may need emergency tree removal will help prioritise your next steps.

Pruning and Clearance Before High Winds

Strategic pruning reduces wind sail, removes deadwood and improves clearance over driveways, paths and roofs. Avoid topping or excessive lopping – both can create weak regrowth and future failures. When the work is more than a light tidy, ask a qualified arborist to plan cuts that protect tree health and structure.

Powerlines and Responsibility

Branches touching or approaching service lines are a serious hazard. In Victoria, responsibilities around vegetation near powerlines are specific and safety‑critical. Review our guide to tree trimming and powerline responsibilities in Victoria and never attempt DIY work near live lines – book a professional.

Secure the Surroundings

Before a front moves through, move outdoor settings, toys and pot plants away from fall zones. Park cars where they’re protected from overhanging limbs. Gutters and downpipes should be clear so water doesn’t pool and soften soil around roots. For broader planning across the state, see our page on tree services and removal across Victoria.

After the Storm: What to Do Next

Once conditions are safe, walk the property and take photos of any changes – fresh splits, new leans, or branches on roofs. Keep people and pets clear of tensioned or tangled limbs. If damage is significant, contact our crew for priority assistance through emergency tree services in Melbourne. For typical pricing factors on clean‑ups and removals after storms, check tree removal costs in Melbourne.

When Removal Is the Safer Choice

Some defects can be managed; others are too advanced. If a tree shows multiple failure points, significant decay, or conflicts with powerlines and buildings, removal may be recommended. To understand the red flags, read our overview of signs that a tree should be removed. You can also browse recent examples of storm clean‑ups and careful rigging on our Our Work page.

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

A brief, yearly check can save time, money and stress. If you have questions about timing, permits or what’s considered reasonable maintenance in your suburb, our Frequently Asked Questions page is a great place to start, or get in touch for tailored advice before the next front rolls through.