Trees have many positive effects on our surroundings and quality of life. They improve the overall atmosphere and look of homes and businesses. Trees are aesthetically pleasing, useful for animals, sanitary, and cool during the summer. They can act as a windbreak during the winter, and the limbs and branches that have fallen off them can be used as fuel. However, when bad weather hits, trees harm people and property.
The following is information and advice regarding what to do if a storm causes damage to your trees, why you should have a professional evaluate the damage and prune the trees, and how to reduce the risk of storm-related damage to your trees and property in the future.
Are Your Trees Still Standing After The Recent Storms?
You probably feel a sense of relief now if you were fortunate enough to find that your trees survived the recent storms unscathed. The fact of the matter is, however, that many trees that have been left standing can still present a threat. There is a possibility that hazards lie in wait in the form of loose branches or flaws in other parts of the tree.
It may only sometimes be obvious at first look if there are problems. Flaws and shaky branches will only sometimes be visible.
In the event of another storm, or even a particularly windy day, any slack wood could fall, major limbs could break, and the tree could split and crash to the ground due to the storm’s damage.
What Should You Do Right Away If A Storm Damages A Tree?
If a storm has damaged a tree in your yard, you should address the issue immediately.
- The first step is to identify the areas that are affected. In addition, it is essential to investigate the nature of the harm that has occurred there. Suppose somebody uprooted a tree in your yard, and there’s no way to put it back together.
- Secondly, if you have a tree first aid kit, bring it along to stop the tree from getting any worse. You should only treat the tree if you’re confident it can survive the storm’s effects.
- To get expert assistance in reviving the tree that is damaged in your yard, you need to make a phone call to an arborist tree service that is located in close proximity to your area.
- Schedule an appointment as soon as possible so the crew can arrive and do the required procedures to fix the tree. Please remember that determining whether you can make the repair yourself is a crucial factor to consider.
Things To Do In Response To Tree Damage
If you realise you need to save the tree, you should act quickly, as was previously suggested. Let’s check out how a damaged tree is saved and fixed after a storm.
Assess The Tree’s Position And Condition
Look at the tree and the ground where it crashed before you start cleaning it. Is it secure to get closer? Is it hung from or near electricity lines? Check the tree’s branches and surrounding area for any downed power wires. Do you see any branches that have fallen off? Is there clutter in the air around the tree? Does the tree or its branches interfere with traffic? Stay away from the tree if this is the case. Instead, get advice from the professionals and isolate the area until it is clear that it is safe to reintroduce people and animals.
Remove Any Broken Limbs
Verify if the limbs can be fixed by inspecting their condition. The tree will benefit from having the fractured limb reattached. However, if the tree is ancient and large enough, it can continue functioning without the limb.
It is feasible to clean the fractured limb, but you should exercise caution if you do so. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the trunk when removing the broken branches and limbs from the damaged tree. If you remove the dead and diseased branches from the tree, it will be safer.
Don’t Try To Handle Everything By Yourself
A professional arborist should be called in when massive branches are broken or dangling, or work must be done at great heights using a chainsaw. They are equipped with the appropriate equipment and knowledge, and in most cases, you can find them listed in the phone book under the heading “Tree Service.”
Observe Safety Procedures
Try both looking up and down. Keep an eye out for fallen power wires and dangling branches that could cause injury. Keep clear from fallen or broken utility lines; low-voltage telephone, cable, and even fence wires can become energised when near downed or broken electrical lines. Avoid walking under dangling or caught branches or broken limbs. In addition, unless you have extensive experience with chainsaws, you should let the experts handle them.
Consult With A Certified Arborist
A professional arborist should be consulted to ascertain the injured tree’s true condition. An experienced arborist will be able to offer advice after seeing or hearing about the tree’s current condition.
You can use some wire, a rod, or a metal sprinter to keep the broken piece in place if you need to. If the tree is more than 50% damaged, he may also recommend removing it or doing emergency surgery. But be sure the arborist is licenced because the effectiveness of the tree restoration rests heavily on the expertise of the hired specialist.
Prune Trees
Before you can remove the excess particles that the wounded tree may contain, you need to clean the wounds. Your next objective should be to fill the spaces with paint; of course, the colour you use must be compatible with the tree trunks. If this is the case, you need to be familiar with the appropriate pruning strategies to prevent making typical mistakes.
If your tree’s injured or wounded sections have been pruned, and the tree now appears to be stable, the trees are recuperating from the harm.
Remove Any Remaining Damaged Branches From The Tree
Common storm damage repairs include clearing away the splintered remnants of smaller damaged limbs. If done correctly, this will reduce the likelihood of decaying matter entering the wound. The point where smaller branches join larger ones is where they should undergo pruning. An arborist should prune broken large branches back to the trunk or to one of the tree’s main branches. If you want to assist your tree recover more quickly from pruning injuries, trim smaller branches.
How To Ensure The Safety And Health Of Your Trees?
This is why you should inspect your trees after every storm. Is there an optimal approach?
Inspecting something is best done initially from the ground up. Don’t even think about using a ladder or climbing the tree. It would be best if you were on the lookout for the following things at the moment:
Cracks
When looking at cracks in the bark of a tree, it is essential to differentiate between the different degrees of severity. Cracks in the outer layer of bark usually offer no danger. However, a more serious problem is indicated when a crack extends further into the underlying wood. This could indicate a weak spot in the tree’s general structure as a result of a separation inside the trunk or branch’s internal structure. In such situations, rapid attention is required to analyse and resolve the potential concerns associated with the compromised structural integrity.
Utility Wires
Keep a sharp lookout for wires that might have become entangled in the tree’s limbs. It’s possible that the wires loosened or damaged some of the branches.
Signs Of Decay
It is possible that there is a problem with the tree if you observe cavities within the trunk, particularly in the areas where the branches meet the trunk or at the base of the trunk. The presence of fungus on the bark or exposed roots may be an indicator of degradation and decomposition. A tree’s strength can be reduced due to this, leaving it more vulnerable to damage.
Split Trunks
Some trees will have several trunks, sometimes only loosely connected and prone to splitting apart. This can be especially concerning when it comes to larger trees; thus, it is important to look carefully at the spot where the trunks connect and be on the lookout for any symptoms of splitting.
Leaning Trees
There is a possibility that your tree has become weakened if it looks to be leaning, even if it is only slightly. There may be a crack somewhere inside the trunk, or it may have become loose at the bottom. Both of these possibilities are possible.
Hanging Branches
Broken branches still attached to the tree or have become stuck in the canopy are a major safety concern. They are in a dangerously unstable position and could topple anytime, endangering nearby people and property. It’s critical to take immediate action.
Broken Branches
Inspect the tree thoroughly to see if you can find any cracked, damaged, or split branches. Listen for any creaking, which is a common indication that the structure is stressed. Breaks can negatively impact a tree’s health, which can become dangerous if larger branches are affected.
Weakly Attached Branches
Inspect where the larger branches are linked to the tree’s main stem. If your tree has multiple branches that all come out of the same spot, this could be a specific source of weakness for the tree since if one branch breaks off, it is probable that the others will follow suit.
How To Avoid Storm Damage To Your Trees?
You can protect your trees from storms by taking certain measures. Remember that properly cared-for trees are less likely to be damaged during a storm. Your trees can sustain less damage from storms if you prune them periodically, check their health, and plant varieties that are well-suited to the climate and soils in your area.
Dead or rotted branches can present problems in a storm but can be avoided with regular pruning. Trees of all ages benefit from early training with pruning. A certified arborist can prune your tree so that branches don’t touch and remove any dead or weak branches that could break in a storm. Damage and injuries can be caused by falling or blown branches.
A qualified arborist will also check that the tree’s root system is well-established and that the tree itself has a good structural foundation. The arborist will offer advice on improving your tree’s health and stability if it has leaves that are turning yellow, a canopy that is becoming thinner, or roots that are becoming exposed.
Trees and property can be safeguarded by carefully selecting species well suited to the soils on your property and planting them in strategic locations. If your property is small, a big tree can be too close to your house, the electricity lines, or the road. Root systems can be compromised by poor, compacted, or shallow soil, leaving trees more susceptible to wind and water damage.
Before a storm arrives, you can protect trees from the devastation of windstorms by wrapping the trunks of the trees with burlap or other coverings designed for vegetation. The wrapping shields the tree and its bark from flying objects. After the storm has gone, you can take off the protective wrap.
The Advantages Of Professional Tree Care
Qualified arborists are experts in the field of tree maintenance. A local arborist is well-versed in the specific soil, climate, and environmental factors that contribute to tree health in your location.
An arborist’s certification is only valid if they continue their education. Because of this, you can rest assured that your tree service provider uses cutting-edge equipment and methods. A trained expert will visit your home when you have tree care needs, inspect the trees there, and advise you on keeping them healthy and out of harm’s way. In most cases, a certified arborist will only advise on tree maintenance after inspecting the tree.
You may rest assured that you, your property, and the crew working on your tree will be protected when you choose a certified arborist. Your city or county may need arborists to get a licence, register with the government, and hold a professional certification.
Arborists have access to the tools necessary to work in the more difficult-to-reach areas of tall trees. They will advise you on how to safeguard the tree’s roots, provide adequate nutrition to the tree itself, and prune the branches so that they do not pose a risk to your property. An arborist will be able to tell you whether or not your tree may be saved if a storm has damaged it. The storm likely caused the tree damage.
Arborists are trained professionals who are skilled in the safe and efficient removal of trees. Certified arborists are the best people to consult when you want to add new trees to your property because they can assist you in choosing species that will do well there.
Conclusion
Storm damage to trees can have significant consequences on both people and property. If your tree has survived recent storms, it is crucial to address the issue immediately. Identify affected areas and investigate the nature of the damage. If you have a tree first aid kit, bring it along to prevent further damage.
To get expert assistance in reviving a damaged tree, call an arborist tree service nearby and schedule an appointment. If you realize you need to save the tree, act quickly by assessing its position and condition, removing broken limbs, and observing safety procedures. Consult with a certified arborist to assess the injured tree’s true condition and offer advice.
Prune trees by cleaning the wounds and filling spaces with paint. Be familiar with appropriate pruning strategies to prevent mistakes. If your tree’s injured or wounded sections have been pruned, the tree is recovering from the harm.
Remove any remaining damaged branches from the tree. Common storm damage repairs include clearing away splintered remnants of smaller damaged limbs and pruning the point where smaller branches join larger ones. Trim smaller branches to help the tree recover more quickly from pruning injuries.
In summary, if your tree has been damaged by a storm, it is essential to address the issue immediately and seek professional help. By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of future storm-related damage to your trees and property. To ensure the safety and health of your trees, it is essential to inspect them after every storm. The optimal approach is to inspect from the ground up, focusing on cracks, utility wires, signs of decay, split trunks, leaning trees, broken branches, and weakly attached branches. Regular pruning, checking the tree’s root system, and selecting species well-suited to the soil and climate can help prevent damage during a storm.
A certified arborist can help prevent dead or rotted branches from causing problems during a storm. They can also check the tree’s root system and structural foundation, offering advice on improving tree health and stability. Trees and property can be safeguarded by carefully selecting species well-suited to the soils on your property and planting them in strategic locations.
Before a storm arrives, wrap the trunks with burlap or other vegetation-protective coverings to shield the tree and its bark from flying objects. After the storm has passed, remove the protective wrap. Professional tree care offers several advantages. Certified arborists are experts in tree maintenance, knowledgeable about the specific soil, climate, and environmental factors that contribute to tree health in your location. They use cutting-edge equipment and methods, visit your home when you have tree care needs, inspect the trees, and advise on keeping them healthy and out of harm’s way.
Choosing a certified arborist ensures that you, your property, and the crew working on your tree are protected. They have access to the necessary tools to work in difficult-to-reach areas of tall trees, advise on protecting the tree’s roots, provide adequate nutrition, and prune branches to avoid posing a risk to your property. In conclusion, regular inspections and professional tree care are crucial for maintaining the safety and health of your trees during storms.
Content Summary
- Trees improve the atmosphere and enhance the aesthetics of homes and businesses.
- Trees are beneficial for animals, sanitary, and provide shade during summer.
- In winter, trees act as windbreaks.
- Fallen tree limbs can be used as fuel.
- Trees can become hazards during storms, potentially harming people and property.
- Even if trees appear undamaged post-storm, they may still present threats.
- Hazards can be in the form of loose branches or structural flaws.
- Not all damages are immediately visible to the naked eye.
- In subsequent storms, previously damaged trees could pose increased risks.
- If a tree is damaged during a storm, immediate attention is necessary.
- First, it’s vital to identify and assess the damaged areas.
- A tree first aid kit can prevent further deterioration if used correctly.
- Arborist tree services can provide expert assistance for damaged trees.
- It’s crucial to determine if you can manage repairs independently.
- It’s essential to quickly address tree damage post-storm.
- Before cleanup, assess the tree’s position and its surroundings.
- Avoid approaching trees near or tangled in electricity lines.
- Remove broken limbs carefully to prevent further damage to the tree.
- Large, dangling branches or tasks requiring chainsaws should be left to professionals.
- Always observe safety procedures around damaged trees.
- Stay clear of downed or broken utility lines near trees.
- Consulting a certified arborist is vital to determine a damaged tree’s condition.
- Arborists may suggest structural supports or even recommend tree removal.
- Pruning trees correctly can aid in their recovery after storm damage.
- Proper pruning can also prevent the introduction of decay into wounds.
- Regular tree inspections post-storm are recommended.
- Cracks in tree bark can indicate underlying structural issues.
- Trees entangled with utility wires may have sustained damage.
- Cavities or fungus on trees might indicate decay and structural weakness.
- Trees with multiple trunks can be prone to splitting.
- Leaning trees may indicate structural weaknesses or root damage.
- Hanging branches present immediate safety hazards.
- Broken branches can affect a tree’s health and become safety risks.
- Branches emerging from a single point on the tree can be weak spots.
- Proper tree care reduces the risk of storm-related damage.
- Regular pruning can prevent problems during storms.
- A certified arborist can ensure your tree has a solid structural foundation.
- Choosing tree species suited to your soil and climate can enhance resilience.
- Trees too close to structures or roads may pose risks.
- Wrapping tree trunks can protect them from windstorm debris.
- Qualified arborists possess extensive knowledge of tree maintenance.
- Arborists undergo continuous education to stay updated.
- Certified arborists follow safety protocols, ensuring protection for all involved.
- Local regulations may require arborists to be licensed and certified.
- Arborists have tools for working on tall trees and difficult areas.
- An arborist can advise on root protection, nutrition, and safe pruning techniques.
- If a tree is storm-damaged, an arborist can assess its survivability.
- Arborists are experts in the safe and efficient removal of trees.
- For planting new trees, consulting certified arborists is beneficial.
- Arborists can recommend tree species best suited to specific locations.
FAQs About Tree Damage
Is It Safe To Approach A Damaged Tree?
Above all else, prioritise safety when tending to a damaged tree. Before approaching, meticulously clear the vicinity of any potential hazards or debris. Exercise caution and thoroughly assess the situation, ensuring every step taken is deliberate and secure.
Can I Prune The Broken Branches Myself?
Yes, you can undertake this task. Yet, it’s imperative to wield sharp, pristine tools, executing precise cuts to mitigate the potential for exacerbating harm or introducing infection. If uncertainty looms, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a seasoned professional for assured guidance.
What If The Trunk Is Split? Can It Be Saved?
When a tree’s trunk has suffered the distressing fate of splitting, a glimmer of hope exists through applying expertly executed cabling and bracing techniques. These highly specialised methods serve as a lifeline, offering steadfast support and unwavering stability to the beleaguered tree. Through the strategic placement of cables and braces, the damaged trunk is gently cradled, its weight distributed evenly, and its structural integrity restored.
What Are Some Resilient Tree Species For My Area?
Engage in a thorough consultation with a reputable nursery or a seasoned arborist, individuals well-versed in the nuances of your specific locale. Seek their expertise for tailored recommendations on tree species perfectly attuned to the idiosyncrasies of your local weather conditions.
How Do I Replant An Uprooted Tree?
After carefully excavating the root ball, gently cradle the tree back into the earth, nestling it snugly within a meticulously prepared hole. Take utmost care to ensure it is positioned at just the right depth, allowing its roots to spread out and anchor firmly in their new home. Once in place, secure it with sturdy stakes and provide ample support to guarantee its stability.
