Taking preventive measures taken before a storm hits help trees grow stronger and become more resistant to damage.
Pruning to promote the growth of strong branches:
![graphic: showing good branch angles of 10 and 2 o'clock](https://images.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/stormrecovery/preventive_image2.gif)
1. Encourage good branch angles. For most deciduous trees, narrow angle between two branches is a point of future weakness. A good rule of thumb for many deciduous trees is to keep the angles at 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock.
![graphic: Showing strong branch trunk size](https://images.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/stormrecovery/preventive_image1.gif)
2. Encourage a strong branch/trunk size relationship. Ideally, lateral branches should be no more than half the diameter of the trunk.
![graphic: showing tree unstable center of gravity](https://images.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/stormrecovery/preventive_image3.gif)
3. Maintain a stable center of gravity. The center of gravity for a tree should be over the trunk. Remove branches on the leaning side and encourage branch growth on the opposite side.
![graphic: Showing a tree with rubbing branches and suckers](https://images.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/stormrecovery/preventive_image4.gif)
4. Remove rubbing branches, suckers, and watersprouts.
![graphic: Showing a branch cut back to a stub](https://images.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/treecare/stormrecovery/preventive_image5.gif)
5. Don't cut branches back to stubs. Long, natural limbs on a tree are strong and can withstand storm-like conditions. If a branch needs to be removed, cut it back to the main branch or to the tree's trunk.