Webster, NY: Lake-Effect Storm Prep — How to Prevent Tree Failures Near the Shoreline

Oct 23

Webster sits downwind of Lake Ontario, so quick-hitting lake-effect bands and gusty west winds can stress even healthy trees. Here’s how we prevent the most common failures we see in Webster.

What makes Webster, NY risky?

Lake-effect bursts can dump heavy, wet snow in narrow bands with little warning, adding sudden weight to canopies.
Frequent wind events off Lake Ontario magnify bending loads on tall maples, oaks, and pines near homes, driveways, and service drops. Past windstorms around Monroe County show downed trees/lines are a recurring hazard.

what we recommend before peak season

Clearance pruning over driveways/roofs; reduce end-weight on long lateral limbs.
Remove dead/diseased leaders (ash, soft maples, storm-scarred pines).
Cable/brace co-dominant stems with poor unions near the lake side.
Remove leaners over power drops/fences where gusts funnel between houses.
Stumps out now so plows/foot traffic aren’t tripping over frozen crowns.