Key Points:
- The 2026 El Niño is expected to bring above-average rainfall to California this winter, with experts predicting high winds and potential flooding.
- Proactive tree care, such as improving soil drainage and pruning strategically, helps trees survive dangerous winter weather.
- Tree leaning, bark peeling, and canopy dieback are signs that the tree needs more intensive tree care ahead of El Niño storms.
In June 2026, NOAA’s National Weather Service confirmed El Niño—a climate pattern during which above-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific cause weather fluctuations. While every El Niño event is unique, this one is expected to reach Super El Niño strength and bring a potentially dangerous storm season to California this winter.
Before the storms hit Santa Clara County, homeowners can get ahead and prepare their trees for a severe, wet winter. Below, we’ll discuss when to expect El Niño storms, plus proactive maintenance tips and expert guidance from the ISA-Certified Arborists at Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists.
What Homeowners Need to Know About This El Niño
During an El Niño event, sea surface temperatures reach warmer-than-usual levels, causing the Pacific jet stream to shift and alter weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere.
According to scientists, the 2026 El Niño could be the strongest event on record, with particularly damaging effects expected in California. A CNN Climate article describes massive waves, coastal flooding, and heavy rain that could cause extensive damage to landscapes, properties, and businesses across the state.
These conditions are likely to compromise tree stability, especially for newly planted or previously weakened trees. Unstable trees increase the likelihood of emergency tree care calls in the event of a fallen branch or entire tree. Likewise, higher-than-average precipitation can drench and damage root systems, deteriorating tree health by preventing water and nutrient uptake.
5 Proactive Steps to Prepare Your Trees for El Niño
Investing in proactive tree care now can help you avoid tree damage and emergency removals this winter. Take these steps before El Niño’s effects reach your area.
1. Get a Tree Risk Assessment
An essential first step in preventing tree damage is to get a professional tree risk assessment from an ISA-Certified Arborist. Without this assessment, an unidentified tree problem could cause irreversible damage to nearby structures, utility lines, or individuals.
There are three levels of tree risk assessments that arborists offer:
- Level 1: Visual Tree Risk Assessment. This limited inspection is conducted when there’s no reason for concern about a tree’s health.
- Level 2: Moderate Tree Risk Assessment. This more thorough assessment focuses primarily on the tree’s roots, trunk, and crown.
- Level 3: Comprehensive Tree Risk Assessment. The most detailed inspection, this assessment may include tissue testing and resistance drilling along with a review of the tree’s root system, trunk, and crown.
Anderson’s inspections consider pruning and removal needs, a soil and root analysis, soil nutrient management, and pest and disease control. Our ISA-Certified Arborists are well-versed in identifying threats to trees on properties in Santa Clara County.
2. Improve Drainage Around Root Zones
Many Santa Clara County tree species are drought-resistant, which means the predicted increase in precipitation will challenge their health. Waterlogged soil can lead to secondary problems, such as fungal development or increased pest activity in the spring.
To improve soil quality and drainage, loosen the soil with a gardening tool while it’s dry, then add a layer of mulch or other organic matter. Once heavy rains arrive, avoid walking or working on saturated soil, as this increases compaction and can damage roots. If water tends to pool at the trunk of a tree, consider grading and vertical drainage options to prevent it.
3. Prune Strategically
Pruning helps trees resist pest infestations, diseases, and storm damage. Removing dead, damaged, or overgrown branches improves safety for your property and everyone on it. It’s important to leave pruning to an ISA-Certified Arborist rather than attempting it yourself. Arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture have the expert training in tree care needed to correctly prune trees and maximize health benefits.
4. Support Young or Newly Planted Trees
Recently planted trees may not have yet established their root systems, making them more vulnerable to falling during extreme winds and stormy weather. One solution is tree guying, the process of using stakes or wires to keep young trees supported during storms. Guying differs from tree cabling and bracing, which instead reinforce more established, weak, or unstable trees.
5. Watch for Pests and Root Disease
Many tree pests and pathogens thrive in moist conditions and will be more attracted to waterlogged trees come spring. Anthracnose, fire blight, and shot hole blight are all diseases that can spread via rain, according to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).
Keep an eye out for pest activity or signs of tree health decline—not only after storms but throughout the year. Catching infestations and diseases early increases the chance of effective treatment and recovery.
Signs Your Trees Need Immediate, Pre-Storm Care
An arborist’s initial tree risk assessment may determine that your trees are already compromised and need more than the El Niño-prep steps. Here are some of the warning signs of major tree problems:
- Bark Symptoms: Severe bark cracks, peeling, or a sudden spongy texture are signs of tree health decline. When inspecting tree bark, look out for small holes or other signs of pest activity.
- Canopy Dieback: Losing leaves outside the tree’s normal seasonal cycle signals a problem. Canopy dieback can occur on one part of the tree or across the whole canopy. Similar symptoms include premature leaf yellowing, a change in leaf shape or size, and branch dieback.
- Tree Leaning: A sudden, new lean should be addressed as soon as possible, especially before a storm. Other signs of tree instability to look for are soil heaving and visible roots.
- Fungal Conks: An arborist can inspect and identify the exact mushroom species to confirm if it is beneficial or harmful to your trees. Mushrooms growing near the trunk base are typically an indicator of advanced decay in root tissues or lower trunk wood.
Schedule Proactive Tree Care With Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists
Prepare your landscape for El Niño with proactive tree care services. Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists is a local, family-run company proudly serving homeowners in San Jose and Santa Clara County. Our team of professional, ISA-Certified Arborists provides a full range of environmentally responsible tree and plant services, including tree planting and removals, fertilization, invasive plant management, and more.
To schedule a consultation and a free estimate, call Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists at 408-872-9276 or contact us online today!
FAQs
What tree species in Santa Clara County are most at risk of failure during El Niño storms?
Drought-adapted tree species in Santa Clara County generally do not withstand prolonged saturation. When soil stays wet for extended periods, trees are more prone to root rot, fungal disease, and destabilization in high winds. During a tree risk assessment, your arborist will tell you which tree species on your property are most at risk and how to best protect them.
How far in advance should I schedule a tree risk assessment before El Niño storms arrive?
Arborists recommend scheduling risk assessments in the fall, so they can provide preventative tree care services before El Niño storms arrive. Generally, tree care companies see demand spike once storms hit. Scheduling services in advance gives your arborist time to evaluate, diagnose, and treat any issues before they worsen with the storm.
How does California’s soil affect tree stability during storms?
Parts of California, including Santa Clara County, have dense clay soil, which absorbs water slowly and drains poorly. During heavy storms, clay quickly becomes saturated and turns fluid-like, eliminating the structural friction needed to anchor large root systems and allowing completely healthy-looking trees to simply uproot.
Will California homeowners insurance cover tree damage from El Niño storms?
According to the California Department of Insurance, most standard homeowners policies cover storm-related tree damage to structures. Coverage for removing a fallen tree that missed your house, or for trees that damage a neighbor’s property, varies by insurer and policy. Insurers may also deny claims if a tree was already visibly diseased or hazardous before the storm, which is another reason documented professional inspections matter.