What Heavy Summer Rain Can Do to Your Trees in Southeast Texas

Southeast Texas is no stranger to weeks of heavy rainfall. While heavy rainfall can be great for plant growth, it can also create hidden damages to your trees. Heavy rainfall can cause root instability for even healthy trees. Learn more about what Beaumont homeowners need to look out for after heavy summer rains. 

How Heavy Rain Affects Tree Roots

Heavy rains saturate and loosen the soil that your tree’s roots use to anchor itself. Saturated soil loses its stability and can cause trees to shift or lean. Even without strong wind, healthy trees can begin to lean. Depending on root structure, some species of trees are more susceptible to this kind of root damage. 

Hidden Damage You Might Not Notice

Damage from unstable roots can manifest itself in ways you may not notice immediately. Damage from heavy rain in Southeast Texas can present as:

• Small Root Tears
• Internal Trunk Cracks
• Soil Lifting Around the Base

Damage can take days or weeks to become apparent. Even if your tree has not fallen yet, their structural integrity can be greatly weakened. This is why having your trees inspected by a professional at the first sign of damage is crucial.

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Warning Signs to Look for After Heavy Rain

While damage can be difficult to spot, here are a few signs every Southeast Texas Homeowner can look for to spot trees that have been weakened by heavy rain.

• New leaning
• Cracks in the soil around the trunk
• Exposed roots
• Broken or hanging limbs
• Splits in the trunk
• Dead or rapidly wilting branches
• Mushrooms or fungal growth near the base

Why Trees Sometimes Fall Days After the Storm

Most homeowners in the Golden Triangle expect trees to go down during heavy storms, and assume they are safe once the weather passes. Unfortunately, many trees may fall days after the storm. Trees often fall days after heavy rains because soil remains saturated long after the rain stops. In combination with additional wind and possible preexisting damage, roots may continue to fail. Delayed tree failures are common after prolonged wet periods. 

Which Trees Are Most Vulnerable in Southeast Texas

While not all trees will fail after heavy rain, some are more susceptible than others. Older trees with existing decay are especially at risk. Trees growing in shallow or poorly drained soil are also very susceptible to heavy rain damage. Homeowners should also pay close attention to trees with multiple trunks or heavy, uneven canopies. 

What Homeowners Should Do After Extended Rainfall

After a heavy rain, it’s important that homeowners walk around their property and check trees from multiple angles. Avoid standing underneath damaged limbs and do not attempt to remove large branches yourself. If anything appears unusual, schedule a professional tree inspection.

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How Preventative Tree Care Reduces Risk

Homeowners can reduce the risk of tree failure with preventative maintenance. Things such as routine pruning and removing dead or weak limbs can greatly improve a trees chance of withstanding heavy rain. It’s important to monitor tree health throughout the year and identify structural defects early. Keeping a close watch over your trees health can greatly reduce the risk of storm-related failures.

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Conclusion

While heavy rainfall may not cause immediate problems, it can weaken trees in ways that aren’t obvious. Quick inspections of the trees on your property after heavy rain can help homeowners catch problems before they become emergencies. If you notice any of the early warning signs of heavy rainfall damage, contact CJ’s Tree Service Professionals for a professional inspection. 

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