Spring Storm Preparation Checklist
A seasonal checklist for tree service companies to prepare for spring storm season.
Spring storm season is when tree service companies make a significant portion of their annual revenue. Being prepared before the storms hit makes the difference between capturing that work efficiently and scrambling to catch up.
Equipment Readiness
- Service all chainsaws: new chains, air filters, spark plugs, fuel filters
- Inspect all rigging gear: ropes, slings, blocks, carabiners. Retire anything worn or damaged
- Test the chipper: sharpen or replace knives, check hydraulic fluid, test the feed system
- Inspect bucket truck: boom inspection, hydraulic check, electrical systems, outrigger pads
- Test all vehicles: brakes, tires, lights, towing capacity
- Stock up on bar oil, fuel mix, PPE, and first aid supplies
Crew Preparation
- Review emergency response procedures with all crew members
- Update training certifications (CPR, first aid, OSHA)
- Confirm availability for after-hours and weekend emergency calls
- Assign storm response teams and define roles (lead climber, ground crew chief, dispatcher)
- Set up a communication plan (group text, radio channel, phone tree)
Business Preparation
- Review and update insurance coverage. Make sure your policy covers storm work and after-hours operations
- Prepare emergency work authorization forms (quick one-page contracts for storm calls)
- Set emergency pricing rates and communicate them internally so all estimators quote consistently
- Pre-identify subcontractors you can call for overflow work during heavy storm periods
- Verify your Google Business Profile and website are up to date so storm-affected customers can find you
Customer Outreach
Send a pre-season email or postcard to your customer database reminding them about storm preparation services:
- Pre-storm inspections to identify high-risk trees
- Deadwood removal before storms arrive
- Crown thinning to reduce wind resistance
- Cabling and bracing for trees with structural defects
This proactive outreach generates immediate revenue and positions your company as the first call when a storm does hit.
After the Storm
When a major storm hits, your phone will ring nonstop. Have a system for logging calls, prioritizing by hazard level, and dispatching crews. Use a simple spreadsheet or job management app to track storm calls. Do not rely on memory or scraps of paper when you are fielding 50 calls in a day.
Sources and Further Reading
- • National Weather Service: Provides seasonal storm forecasting data and severe weather preparedness guidelines for commercial tree services
- • International Society of Arboriculture: Offers professional standards for pre-storm tree assessment and hazard identification protocols
- • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Establishes safety requirements for tree service workers during emergency storm response operations
- • Tree Care Industry Association: Publishes best practices for equipment maintenance and crew preparation ahead of storm seasons
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