MENUSevere storms can happen at any time and have an impact on your trees and property, but in our region of the Southeastern United States, we tend to see an increase in storms this time of year. These storms can be dangerous and potentially devastating to communities and their trees. Trees are an important part of our ecosystem, so maintaining the urban canopy is always our goal. There is no way to remove the risk of a tree without removing the tree entirely, so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk to the level that you find personally acceptable.
We have outlined some steps you can take (ideally) before a major weather event to prepare for emergency tree situations.
1. Notice how your trees move during normal wind events.
It’s important to watch your trees. You have the front row seat to the show that your trees put on on your property. No one will know if a tree changes normal behavior better than you. Compare how trees move to other similar trees. For instance, you will notice that pines bend and sway, sometimes dramatically during heavy winds. If you have a pine tree that does not bend, but stands rigid and stiff, we suggest taking a closer look at this tree. Trees naturally acclimate to normal weather conditions and when they stop responding, it could mean something more serious is happening with your tree.
2. Don’t make major changes to your wind load right before a weather event.
Trees adapt to their surroundings, so if you change their surroundings, they might not be as well suited for the new conditions. If you remove all the trees except for one on your property, that one tree may beat a higher risk for failure during a major event.
3. Mulch and water your trees during the hot summer months.
Hurricane season is preceded by the long hot summer months. If you take care of your trees during the dry season, they will be better adapted to the oversaturated soils of the rainy season.
4. Take care of any dead or dying branches before storms.
Dead branches will fall, especially during storms. If you take care of them before they fall naturally, they are less likely to fall on your roof or fence or car.
5. Find your insurance information and know who to call when an emergency does happen.
If an emergency does happen, sometimes your home will be inaccessible or your information not available. It’s important to know who to call in an emergency. If your home is impacted by a storm, the first call should be to your insurance company. They can advise on the best way to handle the situation and will often make recommendations for reputable tree care companies.
6. Call early and don’t wait.
Tree companies(obviously) are very busy during and after storms. The sooner that you call, the sooner the response can be. Each company has a limited capacity for the amount of work that they can feasibly do, so if you know you need service, it’s best not to wait to call. Once you have spoken with your insurance provider, make the second call to a certified arborist.
7. Finally, take care of your trees.
We always recommend having your arborist visit your property at least once a year. If you have a regular appointment with your arborist, they can help notice the problems that you may have overlooked, can recommend plant healthcare treatments and prevent future problems and keep your trees thriving and healthy.
We hope that you and your family and safe and happy during this year’s storm season. In the unfortunate event that damage to your property occurs, we are here to help.