Is there anything you can do to protect trees from storm damage? It is a question frequently asked after a storm has damaged someone’s tree. Trees are vulnerable to heavy winds, hail, and lightning. They can affect the trees from their roots to their crown. Properly maintained, healthy trees can usually withstand the forces of weather. There are some steps you can take to minimize damage to trees from storms.
It is important to make a thorough assessment of the trees on your property to determine which ones are at a greater risk during a storm.
- Look for dead, dying, diseased, or damaged tree limbs
- Cracks in the trunk or limbs of the tree
- Weak or hanging limbs
- Injury from improper pruning
- Damage from lawn mowers and weed eaters
- Root damage from trenching
- Insects or disease damage can weaken wood and make it vulnerable
- Bound roots can create a weak spot in the root system
- Evaluate leaning trees for sturdiness
- Look for decaying areas, such as cavities, especially large holes towards the bottom of the tree which may put it at risk of falling over.
Handling any issues found during your assessment will go a long way in protecting the tree. It might require removing dead or damaged limbs, pruning, or installing cabling and bracing if necessary. To lessen the strength of the wind you may decide to establish a windbreak to protect the tree. Thinning out the canopy reduces turbulence, softens the blow of the harsh wind, and protects the trunk and branches. It might be best to have the tree removed. After every storm you should reassess your trees for damage.
Every year fallen trees cause millions of dollars in property damage from storms. They create risks that can put you and your family in danger. Contact Integrity Tree Care today to have your trees assessed for potential problems or if you have a storm damaged tree.
