1. Crossing or Rubbing Branches
When branches cross and rub against each other, they create wounds that invite fungal disease and bark beetles — two of the most damaging pests affecting elms and cottonwoods in the Texas Panhandle. These wounds do not heal cleanly and become entry points for decay that can eventually compromise the entire branch structure.
2. Dead Branches That Stay in the Canopy
Dead branches are called widow-makers for a reason. In Amarillo, where straight-line winds and dust storms can arrive with little warning, a dead limb becomes a dangerous projectile. Any branch that failed to leaf out this spring or shows brittle, cracked bark should be removed by a professional before storm season intensifies.
3. Canopy That Is Too Dense for Panhandle Wind
A thick, unpruned canopy acts like a sail in High Plains wind. Trees with overly dense canopies are far more likely to lose major limbs or uproot entirely during windstorms. Professional thinning allows wind to pass through the canopy rather than push against it, significantly reducing the risk of storm damage.
4. Branches Extending Over Your Roof or Power Lines
Any branch that overhangs your roofline, driveway, or vehicle is a liability waiting to happen. Texas Panhandle storms do not need to be severe to bring down a cottonwood limb. If you can see branches touching or nearly touching your structure during calm conditions, they need to be addressed immediately.
5. The Tree Has Not Been Trimmed in Over Two Years
Even healthy trees develop structural issues over time. Fast-growing species like cottonwoods and elms can develop problematic crossing branches, weak forks, and disease pressure within a single growing season. If it has been more than two years since a professional assessed your trees, schedule an inspection before the next storm season arrives.