Local Arborist Shares Tips to Protect San Diego Trees Before Next Storm

Certified expert offers advice to homeowners on how to prepare trees for incoming weather

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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With San Diego County experiencing multiple storms this week, a certified arborist is sharing essential tips to help homeowners protect their trees before the next bout of severe weather hits the region. The arborist recommends professional tree pruning, placing tarps around tree bases, and identifying certain tree species that are more prone to failure during storms.

Why it matters

Fallen trees and branches can pose serious risks to public safety, damage property, and disrupt critical infrastructure like transportation. As climate change brings more extreme weather events, proactive tree maintenance becomes increasingly important for San Diego communities.

The details

Ted Safford, a certified arborist with over 50 years of experience in San Diego, provided two key recommendations for homeowners to prepare their trees. First, he advises getting trees professionally pruned and thinned to reduce wind resistance. Second, he suggests placing plastic tarps around the base of trees to help prevent whole-tree failures caused by saturated ground. Safford noted that certain tree species like Eucalyptus, Coral, Aleppo pine, and Ficus are particularly prone to storm damage.

  • The third and final storm of the week is expected to hit San Diego on Thursday.
  • Since Monday's storm, the City of San Diego has received 120 tree-related calls, including 11 fallen trees, 3 fallen limbs, and 4 trees that fell on vehicles.

The players

Ted Safford

A certified arborist with more than 50 years of experience in San Diego who provided expert tips for protecting trees before the next storm.

City of San Diego

The city's public works department has received a high volume of tree-related calls and reports of damage following the recent storms.

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What they’re saying

“Get your trees pruned professionally, thinned out to reduce the wind resistance.”

— Ted Safford, Certified Arborist

“Saturated ground is probably the biggest contributor to whole tree failures. So when we get a lot of rain, putting plastic down around your root zones can help.”

— Ted Safford, Certified Arborist

What’s next

The City of San Diego and other local municipalities will continue monitoring the situation and responding to any additional tree-related issues as the next storm approaches on Thursday.

The takeaway

As extreme weather events become more common due to climate change, proactive tree maintenance and preparation is crucial for San Diego homeowners and communities to mitigate the risks of fallen trees and branches. Following the advice of certified arborists can help protect both public safety and private property.