Lancaster Windstorms and Trees: How to Prep Before the Gusts Hit
A Lancaster homeowner checks for weak branches ahead of the spring windstorms.
Anyone who’s lived through a Lancaster spring knows the sound: that low, rising whistle as the wind starts to pick up across the desert floor. Next thing you know, your trash cans are halfway down the street and your trees are swaying like they’re auditioning for a music video. And while wind is part of life here, what it does to your trees, and your property, can be serious.
At Tip Top Arborists, we’ve responded to our fair share of emergency calls after strong gusts snapped branches or took down entire trees. The good news? Most of the damage we see is preventable with the right prep.
So if your trees could use a little wind-proofing, this guide’s for you.
What Makes Lancaster Trees Vulnerable to Wind?
Let’s start with the basics. Lancaster sits in the Antelope Valley, where wind events, especially in spring and early summer, are strong, dry, and unpredictable. Add to that our high-desert soil, intense sun, and rapid weather swings, and trees can be under more stress than you’d think.
Common tree issues made worse by wind:
Shallow or compacted root systems
Dead limbs or weakened trunks
Overgrown crowns that act like sails
Poor pruning in past years
Any of these can turn your peaceful backyard shade tree into a hazard waiting for the next gust.
Real Talk: We’ve Seen What Wind Can Do
A few years back, we got a call after a cottonwood snapped during an early May windstorm and took out half of a homeowner’s pergola. The tree looked healthy from a distance, but a closer look showed soft spots near the base, branches rubbing against each other, and way too much top growth that had never been thinned.
That tree didn’t stand a chance when the wind clocked in over 45 mph.
How to Prep Your Trees for Lancaster Winds
Now let’s talk prevention. Here’s what we recommend before wind season starts blowing through.
1. Get a Professional Tree Inspection
It’s one thing to notice a dead branch. It’s another to catch root rot, trunk cracks, or hidden structural issues that only show up under pressure. A certified arborist can assess your trees from crown to roots and spot problems before they turn into emergencies.
Tip Top’s tree risk assessments come with a full report, recommendations, and peace of mind.
2. Trim and Thin the Canopy
Thick crowns catch wind like sails. Strategic thinning allows air to pass through the tree instead of pushing against it. This reduces the chance of blow-over or limb failure, especially important for fast-growing species like eucalyptus, pine, or sycamores.
Don’t top your tree. We can’t say it enough. Topping weakens structure and increases wind risk. Always go for professional pruning, not lopping.
3. Remove Deadwood
Dead branches are brittle and break easily, especially during wind events. They can also act as levers that split healthy limbs. Removing them now saves fences, windows, and possibly your neighbor’s windshield.
4. Check for Leaning Trees or Root Issues
Wind doesn’t just blow down trees, it can push them over from below if roots are weak. If a tree is starting to lean, showing lifted soil at the base, or dropping leaves prematurely, get it looked at fast. Those are signs that the anchoring system might be compromised.
5. Stake Young Trees Properly
Newly planted trees are especially vulnerable. Use flexible ties and wide straps to support the trunk while allowing slight movement. That movement encourages strong root development and prevents the tree from becoming too dependent on stakes.
Check out the Lancaster emergency preparedness resources to build an emergency plan before wind season hits.
What Trees Handle Wind Best in Lancaster?
Choosing wind-resistant trees in the first place goes a long way. If you’re planning to plant, skip top-heavy or brittle species and go with trees that can bend without breaking.
Some wind-tough options for Lancaster include:
Desert Willow
Chinese Pistache
Western Redbud
Live Oak
Arizona Ash (if pruned properly)
Bonus: many of these are also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Post-Storm? Here’s What to Check
If the wind already came and went, do a visual inspection of your property and trees. Things to look for:
Hanging or cracked limbs
Broken tips or stubs
Exposed roots or shifted soil
Bark splits or fresh trunk damage
If you see anything questionable, take pictures and give us a call. We can determine if it’s a safety issue or something to monitor over time.
Insurance and Liability: What If a Tree Falls?
In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover wind damage from a healthy tree. But if a tree was dead, rotting, or obviously hazardous and you didn’t act, it could become a liability issue, especially if it damages a neighbor’s property.
Routine tree care not only protects your yard, it protects your wallet. Keep receipts, take photos before and after pruning, and document any concerns in writing if a neighbor’s tree looks sketchy.
When to Call Tip Top
We recommend scheduling inspections and trims before peak wind season hits, especially late March through June in the Antelope Valley.
Our certified arborists can help with:
Tree inspections and risk assessments
Safe, professional trimming
Emergency removal if the storm already hit
Tree selection for new plantings
We’ll show up on time, walk your property with you, and give you straight advice. No pressure. No scare tactics. Just honest work from folks who know trees, and Lancaster winds, like the back of our gloves.
Final Word: Don’t Wait for the Wind
If you’ve got a tall, leaning tree or branches brushing your roof, you don’t have to wait for the forecast to get nervous. Wind is unpredictable, but your tree care doesn’t have to be.
Need a second opinion or just want peace of mind?
Give Tip Top Arborists a call. We’ve been keeping Lancaster’s trees in tip-top shape since 1976.