How to Minimize Storm Damage to Your Trees
Trees must endure storms throughout the year from summer\’s thunder storms to winter\’s snow and ice storms. If you have trees near your house, driveway, or in other areas that might endanger people or property, you should be proactive about ensuring they won\’t cause problems in a storm.
Preventative Tree Pruning
One important measure is doing preventative pruning every three to five years for mature trees, and yearly pruning for young trees. The purpose of preventative pruning is to reduce the tree\’s wind resistance. The tree\’s canopy acts like a sail that can greatly stress the tree in high winds. Reducing this resistance through proper pruning minimizes the tree\’s risk of storm damage. If the tree size requires working off the ground with power tools, the job is best left to professional arborists. It\’s also important not to over-prune the tree since this will weaken it.
Tree Inspections
Visual inspections are essential for detecting and correcting tree weaknesses before they cause damage in a storm. Problems to look for are; large dead branches, as well as splits in the trunk, in large branches, and where the branches join with the trunk. Double trunks that join together in a sharp vee. As well as large branches joining the trunk in the same manner are potential weak spots. Yet another weakness to look for is a tree trunk hollowed out by insect damage or disease. These aren\’t always visible but may be detected by tapping the trunk with a rubber mallet. Still another indicator of weakness is a leaning tree.
Sometimes these weaknesses are plainly visible from the ground, in which case, consulting with an arborist about dealing with the problem tree is next. However, not seeing signs of weakness doesn\’t rule out sections of the tree that you can\’t see or internal rotting. If you have a large tree within falling distance of people or property, it\’s recommended that you get it inspected by a professional.
If you require tree pruning, an inspection for weaknesses or damage, or if you have storm damaged trees, don\’t hesitate to contact us. You can follow along on Facebook and Instagram, or you can contact us here if you have any questions.
