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Author: Image Tree Pros

Tree Care to Prevent Damage to People and Property

red brick office building

Trees add beauty and value to your property. If they’re planted strategically, they can even lower your energy bills. However, trees that are damaged, sick, or even leaning too far can be dangerous. Here are ways to care for trees to prevent the sometimes-great costs of liability and property damage. Remove Fallen Branches Broken branches […]

Preventing Sudden Oak Death Spread During Wet Weather

Certified arborist inspecting coast live oak trunk for signs of Sudden Oak Death after winter rain

Why Wet Weather Triggers Sudden Oak Death Winter rain is vital for our ecosystems, but it also fuels one of Sonoma’s most destructive tree diseases: Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Caused by the waterborne pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, this fungus-like organism thrives in cool, wet conditions. When rain splashes from infected California bay laurels onto nearby oaks, […]

Why a Winter Tree Removal Is Best

Lumberjack Cutting a big Tree

Whether a tree is damaged, diseased, infested with pests, or poorly placed, there may be a variety of reasons you want a tree removed from your landscape. In an emergency, remove the tree right away regardless of the season. If the problem is not urgent, however, winter is the best time to remove your tree. […]

What Your Trees Need To Be Healthy: A New Year’s Guide

Trunk With Red Heart Shape

Trees add beauty to a property, but they need care to stay healthy. Maintaining your trees starts with keeping them watered. You also want to add mulch, prune, and add fertilizer. There are steps to prevent pests and disease as well. The new year is a great time to start implementing a plan to take […]

How to Trim Your Trees in a Sustainable Manner

tree pruning

If you have trees on your property, it’s crucial to set up a regular trimming schedule. Make sure to use techniques and keep in mind details specific to your trees that will protect them for years to come. Selective Pruning Pruning is a more detailed process, yet it has many similarities to trimming. With this […]

Rebuild Tree Health Before the Rains: Deep Root Fertilization for Sonoma Landscapes

TreePro arborist performing deep root fertilization with soil injector on a drought-stressed oak.

After a Long, Dry Summer, Your Trees Need a Boost By late fall, Sonoma and Napa soils are tired. After months of heat, drought stress, and irrigation cutbacks, trees are often running on reserve energy. Then, just as the first consistent rains arrive, nutrient-depleted soil struggles to support root recovery. That’s where Deep Root Fertilization […]

Should You Hire Fire Prevention Experts? Here’s What to Consider

Green backyard

Wildfires can spread really quickly. So, preparing in advance is critical for protecting your family, your property, and the belongings in your home. Fire prevention experts who focus on trees know things that most of us do not because they have years of training and on-the-job experience. These specialists have deep knowledge about how different […]

Protecting Your Property: Is Tree Fire Prevention a Must-Have?

Green backyard

In this area, wildfires are a real threat. Because of this, you probably think a lot about how to protect your home. The fires themselves are not the only issue, though. The trees and plants around your property are often the first line of defense against significant destruction. However, they can also be a major […]

Storm-Prep Pruning: Protect Your Sonoma Trees Before Heavy Rain and Wind Arrive

Before the Next Pacific Storm: Prune for Safety and Stability When Sonoma and Napa residents think of “winter storms,” they picture rain and wind—not ice or snow. But those Pacific storm systems can still pack a serious punch. Between late fall and early spring, atmospheric rivers bring intense rainfall and gusty winds strong enough to topple weakened trees or send heavy limbs crashing down. That’s why fall is the ideal time for preventive pruning. By addressing structural issues now, you can dramatically reduce storm damage, protect your property, and keep your trees healthy through the wet season. Why Early Pruning Matters As fall progresses, Sonoma’s soils start to saturate—especially in clay-heavy zones common around Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Kenwood. When strong winds meet softened ground, even healthy trees can lose their footing. Pruning early in the season: Removes weak or overextended limbs before storms stress them. Reduces overall canopy weight so roots hold steady in wet soil. Helps wind flow more evenly through the canopy instead of catching and twisting branches. The key is timing: once winter storms arrive, pruning becomes reactive instead of preventive. Working proactively ensures your trees are balanced and ready before those first atmospheric river systems roll through. How Storm-Prep Pruning Protects Your Trees 1. Canopy Thinning Selective thinning reduces wind resistance, allowing gusts to pass through instead of pushing the canopy like a sail. This is especially important for broadleaf evergreens like coast live oaks and ornamental pears, which retain foliage year-round. 2. Deadwood Removal Dead or decaying branches are the first to break under stress. Removing them now prevents both property damage and the spread of decay fungi during the wet season. 3. Structural Pruning Arborists correct weak branch unions and imbalanced growth—issues that often go unnoticed until failure occurs. On tall species like redwoods or fast-growing eucalyptus, this step is crucial for long-term stability. 4. Clearance Pruning Trimming branches near roofs, driveways, and utility lines prevents interference and minimizes cleanup after storms. It’s a practical step for both safety and convenience. Local Trees That Benefit Most Sonoma and Napa landscapes feature a diverse mix of native and ornamental trees. Each responds differently to storm stress: Coast Live Oak: Strong but dense; interior thinning reduces wind load. Redwood: Tall and shallow-rooted—benefits from crown balancing to prevent lean. Eucalyptus: Brittle wood and long limbs make it highly susceptible to wind breakage. Ornamental Pear: Dense canopies often split at branch unions during heavy rain. By focusing on species-specific pruning, TreePro ensures each tree retains its natural form while improving safety and structural resilience. Warning Signs Before a Storm Not sure if your trees are at risk? Look for: Cracks or splits where branches meet the trunk Dead limbs or hanging branches Leaning trees or mounded soil at the base (a sign of root plate movement) Branches rubbing against one another Dense canopies with minimal airflow If you notice any of these issues, schedule a professional inspection before the next big wind event. Safety and Property Protection for Every Landscape For homeowners, HOAs, and vineyard managers, tree stability is both a safety issue and a property investment. A single fallen limb can damage fencing, vehicles, or irrigation infrastructure. For vineyards, toppled trees can block access roads or damage trellises. TreePro’s storm-prep pruning services are customized for each property type—from suburban yards to expansive oak woodlands—ensuring both aesthetic balance and safety compliance. TreePro’s Expert Storm-Prep Services With over 30 years of local experience, TreePro’s ISA-certified arborists understand how Sonoma’s microclimates and soil conditions affect tree stability. Our storm-prep services include: Structural and canopy thinning Hazard limb and deadwood removal Roof and powerline clearance pruning Storm cleanup and emergency response Every visit starts with a safety-focused inspection to identify high-risk limbs before they become a problem. Pro Tip from TreePro Experts Pruning too aggressively during the dormant season can delay spring recovery. The sweet spot for storm-prep pruning is mid-fall through early winter—when growth slows, but before cold, saturated conditions set in. Prepare Before the First Big Storm By Calling Tree Pro Sonoma Once the first major storm hits, tree service schedules fill quickly with emergency calls. Acting now means your trees are cared for under calm conditions—not crisis mode. Contact TreePro today at (707) 285-9330 or request service online to schedule your storm-prep pruning before the next Pacific front arrives.

Before the Next Pacific Storm: Prune for Safety and Stability When Sonoma and Napa residents think of “winter storms,” they picture rain and wind—not ice or snow. But those Pacific storm systems can still pack a serious punch. Between late fall and early spring, atmospheric rivers bring intense rainfall and gusty winds strong enough to […]

What to Do for Strong, Healthy Trees During the Holidays

Cutting tree branch

You probably believe that your trees will do perfectly well during the cold months without your help. If your trees are mature and healthy and suited to your hardiness zone, you’re probably right. However, every living thing can use as much help as it can get when temperatures plunge and resources are scarce. Here are […]