Arizona’s monsoon season runs from June 15 through September 30. Storms can bring wind gusts of 50–70 mph and go from clear skies to dangerous conditions in under 30 minutes. Because of this, trees that look perfectly fine today can become a serious hazard overnight.
Here’s why trees take such a beating when monsoons hit:
According to the National Weather Service, Arizona’s monsoon season produces some of the most severe thunderstorm activity in the entire country. That’s why pre-season tree care isn’t optional — it’s essential.
First and foremost, have a certified arborist assess your trees before the season starts. Unlike a general landscaper, a certified arborist is trained to spot hidden problems — like internal decay, root damage, and weak branch unions — before they turn into emergencies.
To put it another way, this is the one step that makes every other step more effective. Our arborists serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, and the entire Valley.
Request a free quote before the June rush begins.
Next, take care of any dead, hanging, or crossing branches. These don’t need a storm to fall — they can drop on their own at any time. Therefore, before monsoon season, all compromised limbs should be professionally removed.
Our tree trimming services include dead limb removal, elimination of crossing branches, and clearance cuts from rooflines and power lines. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) consistently recommends structural pruning as one of the most effective tools for preventing storm damage — and for good reason.
In addition to removing dead branches, canopy thinning is a critical and often overlooked step. A dense, unpruned canopy catches wind and transfers enormous force to the trunk and roots. As a result, thinning select interior branches allows the monsoon wind to pass through rather than push against the tree.
This step is especially important for these high-risk species commonly found in Phoenix yards:
| Tree Species | Why It’s at Risk |
|---|---|
| Mesquite | Wide canopy, shallow root system |
| African Sumac | Dense growth, top-heavy structure |
| Eucalyptus | Prone to sudden limb drop |
| Fan & Queen Palm | Dead frond skirts catch wind |
| Aleppo Pine | Fast-growing with shallow roots |
| Overgrown Mulberry | Dense canopy, weak branch unions |
With that in mind, always trust canopy thinning to a certified tree worker. Too much removal can stress a tree, and improper cuts open the door to disease and insects.
Furthermore, if you’ve planted trees in the last 1–3 years, check their staking systems now. Young trees haven’t yet developed the deep roots needed to stand up to monsoon winds. Consequently, they’re far more vulnerable to wind throw than established trees.
Look for loose or leaning stakes, ties that are too tight and cutting into the bark, or any noticeable shift in the tree’s lean. If you used our tree planting services, give us a call — we can include a staking check as part of your pre-monsoon visit.
On top of that, it’s worth adjusting your irrigation before the season starts. Over-irrigating can waterlog soil and destabilize roots even before a storm arrives. Our irrigation team can review and fine-tune your schedule.
Finally, don’t overlook overall tree health. Pest-damaged and diseased trees are far more likely to fail in a storm. Common Arizona threats like bark beetles, borers, and mistletoe can hollow out a tree’s structural core — often with no visible signs on the outside.
Our pest services and soil treatment programs can address existing problems and strengthen your trees before storm season arrives. As the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension points out, tree health and structural integrity go hand-in-hand. In other words, a stressed or diseased tree is almost always the first to fail in severe weather.
Additionally, the USDA Forest Service notes that urban trees weakened by pests or disease are significantly more likely to cause property damage during storms — making early treatment one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.
Even with the best preparation, some trees may already be in trouble. Accordingly, watch for these red flags before monsoon season begins:
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait. Contact our emergency tree services team right away — we’re available 24/7 across the Phoenix Valley.
Simply put, preventive tree care is almost always cheaper than emergency tree work from monsoon storms. During peak monsoon weeks in July and August, our phones ring constantly. As a consequence, homeowners who waited often face:
In contrast, homeowners who schedule a pre-monsoon inspection and trimming appointment in early June are protected, prioritized, and paying a fraction of the cost. By taking action now — before June 15 — you protect both your property and your wallet.
PROS Tree & Landscape has been Arizona’s most trusted name in tree care since 2006. We’re proud to serve homeowners and commercial properties across:
Phoenix · Scottsdale · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · Tempe · Glendale · Peoria · Paradise Valley · Fountain Hills · Cave Creek · Carefree · Litchfield Park · Surprise · Sun City · Sun City West · Ahwatukee Foothills · Tucson
Our team includes more certified arborists than any other tree service company in the Greater Phoenix Metro area — and we’re ready to help you get ahead of monsoon season right now.
Don’t wait for the first storm to find out your trees aren’t prepared. Our certified arborists are scheduling pre-monsoon inspections and trimming appointments now across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, and the entire Valley — including Tucson.
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When does monsoon season start in Arizona? Arizona’s official monsoon season runs from June 15 through September 30. The most intense storm activity typically occurs in July and August, though severe storms can strike as early as mid-June.
Should I trim my trees before monsoon season? Yes — pre-monsoon tree trimming is one of the most effective ways to reduce storm damage risk. Removing dead branches, thinning the canopy, and addressing structural weaknesses before storms arrive significantly reduces the chance of tree failure. PROS Tree & Landscape recommends scheduling your trimming appointment in May or early June, before demand peaks.
What do I do if a tree falls on my property during a storm? Call PROS Tree & Landscape’s 24/7 emergency tree service line at (602) 216-0400. Do not attempt to move or cut a fallen tree yourself — downed trees can be under tension and extremely dangerous. Our emergency crew serves the entire Phoenix Valley and Tucson.
Call PROS Tree & Landscape today to schedule tree removal or request a professional tree inspection before storm season.
A professional inspection can give you peace of mind before summer heat and storm season arrive.
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