Severe Weather Conditions
Can 20 mph winds knock down trees?
Can 20 mph winds knock down trees?
In most cases, 20 mph winds won’t bring down a healthy tree.
But that doesn’t mean your trees are safe.
If a tree is already weakened by disease, root damage, saturated soil, or past storm damage, even moderate winds can cause limbs to break—or the entire tree to fail. Professional tree removal may be best in this situation.
For homeowners in the Kansas City area, the real question isn’t just wind speed.
Is your tree at risk right now?
Understanding how wind affects trees can help homeowners prevent damage to homes, vehicles, and nearby structures. One weather condition that can have a significant impact is wind gusts. By definition, a wind gust is a sudden, brief increase in the speed of the wind that can cause damage to trees and structures.
For homeowners across the Kansas City metro, understanding how wind affects trees can help prevent damage to homes, vehicles, and nearby structures.
Worried About a Tree After High Winds?
If a tree is leaning, cracked, or dropping large limbs, it may no longer be safe to leave standing.
Even moderate wind can weaken a tree enough to fail days later.
Tidd Tree helps Kansas City homeowners quickly assess and safely remove storm-damaged trees before they become dangerous.
When Wind Damage Becomes Dangerous
Wind damage becomes a serious concern when:
- A tree is leaning toward your home or driveway
- Large limbs are cracked, hanging, or partially broken
- Roots appear lifted or exposed
- The tree has visible decay or hollow sections
- The tree is close to power lines or structures
In these situations, even moderate winds can lead to sudden failure.
Can 20 mph hour winds knock down trees?
According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts are reported when the peak wind speed reaches at least 16 knots (18 mph) and the variation in wind speed between the peaks and the lulls is at least 9 knots (10 mph). The duration of a gust is usually less than 20 seconds. However, even a short burst of wind can cause damage to trees and structures if the speed is high enough.
When wind-damaged trees are large, unstable, or close to homes or power lines, crane-assisted tree removal in Kansas City is often the safest way to remove them without risking further damage.
At Tidd Tree, we recommend being aware of wind speed and how it can affect your trees and property. Here are some guidelines to follow regarding wind gusts and tree safety.
How Wind Speed Affects Tree Stability
While moderate winds may not impact healthy trees, weakened or poorly structured trees are far more likely to experience damage—even at lower wind speeds.
Gusts above 30–40 mph significantly increase the risk of branch failure, especially in older or compromised trees.
How Different Wind Speeds Affect Trees
At 19 to 24 mph, smaller trees begin to sway. This is a sign that the wind is picking up, and it is important to be cautious when walking or driving near trees.
25 to 31 mph, large branches will be in motion, whistling will be heard in overhead wires, and umbrella use becomes difficult. It is important to secure loose items and avoid walking or driving under trees.
At 32 to 38 mph, whole trees will be in motion, and you may experience some difficulty when walking into the wind. Trees that are already weakened or diseased may be at risk of falling or losing branches.
At 39 to 46 mph, branches and limbs can be broken from trees. Cars can also possibly veer on the road, especially high-profile vehicles. It is important to stay indoors and away from trees during these conditions.
At 47 to 54 mph, there will be light structural damage. This can include damage to roofs, gutters, and siding. Trees that are not properly maintained may be at risk of falling or causing damage.
At 55 to 63 mph, entire trees can be uprooted, and considerable structural damage can occur. It is important to stay indoors and away from windows during these conditions.
Above 64 mph, expect widespread structural damage. This can include damage to buildings, vehicles, and trees.
How to Reduce the Risk of Wind Damage
Regular pruning, removing dead or weak limbs, and monitoring tree health can significantly reduce the risk of wind-related damage. Professional pruning helps trees maintain stronger structure and better wind resistance.
How to Handle a Storm-Damaged Tree Safely
If wind has caused a tree to lean, crack, or expose its roots, it may become unstable without warning.
In many cases, trees damaged during a storm can fail days or even weeks later—making early evaluation critical.
Attempting to handle damaged trees without proper equipment can be dangerous, especially when large limbs or nearby structures are involved.
How Tidd Tree Handles Storm-Damaged Trees Safely
Our crew evaluates structural stability, surrounding hazards, and removal access before starting work. When necessary, we use crane-assisted removal to safely remove compromised trees near homes, driveways, and power lines.
We frequently assist homeowners throughout Spring Hill, Olathe, Gardner, and the surrounding Kansas City metro when storms leave trees damaged or unstable.
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