Springtime has finally arrived and many of you may be eager to enjoy time outdoors, getting the most out of your home’s landscape. But with spring weather comes showers – and sometimes storms. High winds, torrential rain, thunder, hail and lightning all contribute to unexpected stress and can wreak havoc on trees, big and small.
While it’s not possible to prevent all damage to trees, there are steps that you can take to protect your landscape and prepare your trees for springtime storms. Preventative tree care measures taken now can save you money, offer peace of mind, and help avoid property damage to your home or vehicle. Here are our top recommendations for preparing for storm season:
1. Regularly assess the trees surrounding your home
Look out not only for dead trees but also for trees that look top-heavy, appear to have cavities, splits, or decay, which makes them more likely to shear in a storm. Also, be on the lookout for trees that are leaning toward property and branches that are overhanging your home, vehicle, or power lines. Taking preventative action before a storm hits could save you and your loved ones from serious harm. Regularly inspecting your trees can save you a lot of money and problems down the line.
2. Prune your trees and remove dead branches
Take preventative action and have your trees pruned by a certified arborist, helping your trees withstand the next storm. A skilled arborist can not only remove dead branches that overhang power lines and property but can also thin the canopy of your trees, which reduces wind resistance and improves health. Strategic pruning really is the first line of defense against storm damage.
3. Check the ground around your trees
Don’t forget your trees’ root system. Survey the ground around your trees for signs of erosion, or over-mulching, or fungus that can signal decaying roots. Verifying the ground around your trees in healthy will ensure that your trees can access nutrients in the soil and develop a strong root system. Healthy soil conditions and strong roots help stabilize the tree, making it less likely to fall during a storm.
Finally, reach out for expert help tending to large or difficult trees. Our Certified Arborists have years of experience managing trees, dismantling hazardous trees piece by piece, and handling chainsaws safely. Believe us when we say it’s harder (and more dangerous) than it looks!
