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Talk to an Expert 504-688-3374
To prepare trees for storm season, prune them regularly, check for infected branches, and assess their health. Dead branch removal minimizes the chances of falling branches during windy conditions. Inspect the root system for strength and stake newly planted trees for additional support.
Our professional inspection at A Perfect Cut Tree may uncover concealed problems, allowing you to feel more at ease during approaching storms. Proactive care safeguards your trees and property.
Storms generate turbulent winds, rain sheets, and fatal lightning. These can all considerably endanger the security and welfare of your trees. Preparing your trees in advance of storm season will save your property from harm. This preemptive step guards your whole landscape from damage and preserves the overall health of your trees.
Know the risks of extreme weather to your trees. Identify the indicators of tree vulnerability, then act to improve them in ways that help boost the overall resilience of the trees.
Storms may prove too much for a tree’s strength, resulting in broken branches or uprooted trees, particularly those with shallow roots or irregular shapes.
Heavy rain may compromise root support, making it more likely to be uprooted.
For example, a 60-foot oak with shallow roots may lean or topple following a week of rain. Lightning may harm trees, rendering them vulnerable to pests and rot. Damaged branches can also damage surrounding buildings, vehicles, or electrical lines.
Trees alongside houses or driveways in cities can be dangerous to property during storms. Awareness of these hazards assists in the prioritization of tree maintenance to reduce risks.
Warning indications of a tree suffering in a storm are dead or dying limbs, trunk cracks, and fungus along the base. Trees with too heavy or unbalanced canopies are prone to strong winds, which in turn increase the likelihood of branch failure.
For instance, a large maple tree may not handle blustery wind so well, but branch thinning can reduce wind drag. A leaning tree, particularly one with exposed roots, is a sign of poor anchoring. Trees with storm damage history, such as split branches or lightning scars, must be watched closely since they might not be stress-tolerant.
Proper preparation shields your trees from storm damage and minimizes possible damage. Pruning weak or too long branches in advance removes the possibility of branch breakage during a storm. Periodic health checks for deterioration due to rot or infestation maintain trees in good health. For instance, addressing a minor trunk cavity may prevent larger issues in the future.
Bracing or cabling may stabilize trees with structural issues, holding them in place more firmly in the soil, especially for trees like elms or cedars that split. Aeration of the soil and mulching also promote healthy root growth, which anchors trees firmly in storms.
With adequate preparation, you can position your trees on a firmer foundation to weather the storms. By acting proactively ahead of a storm, you can reduce the risk of damage to your trees and property. Some simple ways to prepare your trees for a storm are listed below.
One of the most important storm preparedness suggestions is to take down dead or weak branches that can snap in a gust of wind and hurt the tree or your property. Look for rot, cracks, or signs of disease, and be particularly careful with any dead branches that have shed their bark and leaves. Cut with clean, sharp instruments to make a clean cut, which promotes faster healing of the tree.
Although pruning is required, excessive pruning will be detrimental to the health of the tree. Cutting too much of the canopy exposes the tree to stress and reduces its capacity to capture energy. Never prune more than 25% of the canopy in a single season to keep the tree healthy and robust. With this equilibrium, the tree will flourish.
Thinning heavy tree canopies permit wind to pass through, minimizing the threat of being uprooted. Target removing smaller, interior branches while maintaining the overall form of the tree. For example, thinning a large oak’s crown will keep it from behaving like a sail in high winds.
Younger trees with root systems are still developing, and support assists in holding them in place. Stake them with soft ties to hold them down, so they won’t be blown over during storms. Just make sure to check that the ties aren’t too tight, which might inhibit tree growth.
Mulch retains soil moisture and controls temperature if there is a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch on the tree’s base. Mulch maintains the soil covering so that no erosion occurs which could expose the roots in the event of an overflow. Leave the mulch several inches from the trunk to avoid rot.
Dry soil can make a tree root system weak and vulnerable to storm damage. Deep watering, particularly in times of drought, makes trees develop deep, firm root systems. Water the soil 8–12 inches deep. Do this every week or every other week, depending on the species and conditions of the trees.
Trees along power lines can be very problematic when storms hit. They need to be regularly maintained. Pruning branches that reach into utility space prevents expensive service outages and reduces fire risk from fallen lines. When planting, choose locations at least 20 feet from possible conflicts with utility lines when the trees grow.
Storm season may be hard on trees, but with proper care, they can weather it. Pruning them regularly, inspecting for fragile branches, and enhancing soil health make trees resilient to strong winds and heavy rains. Preparation for emergencies makes you ready for whatever storm comes. Healthy trees don’t just weather storms but add beauty and value to your property as well.
Taking proactive action safeguards your trees and home. If you are not sure of the condition of your trees or require assistance, call us at A Perfect Cut Tree.
We can help your landscape be safe, attractive, and sustainable for years.
