The Atlantic and Gulf hurricane season
can stretch from early summer well into early winter. Even those who
live inland have to deal with high winds and possible tornadoes when
a storm moves in from the coast.
Landscape trees are often the first to
suffer, which can be a major problem. Falling trees and dropped
branches can damage buildings and cars, bring down power lines, or
injury those below. Knowing what to look for before the storms arrive
enables you to fix any issues before your trees cause major damage.
Verify the General Health of the
Tree
Anything that compromises the health of
a tree can increase the chances of dropped limbs or toppling during a
storm event. Taking the time to survey the trees both before and
periodically throughout the storm season can help you catch problems
early.
Damage
The most obvious visible damage is
broken branches. Branches that barely hang on need removing and are
flush to the trunk or main lateral branch to which they attach.
Otherwise, they will likely come down violently during the next wind
event. Obviously, dead or dying branches should also be removed.
Take damage to the trunk seriously. If
a large amount of bark has been stripped, for example, the canopy of
the tree could be weak and dying. A tree service can determine if the
bark damage is extensive enough to warrant concern.
Disease Symptoms
Tree diseases stem from insects, fungi,
viruses, or bacteria. If a tree has increased insect activity, major
leaf dieback, or obvious holes in the trunk and limbs, then it needs
insect treatment or complete removal if it has become a safety
hazard.
Fungal diseases often are visible by
producing mushrooms around the tree base or along the trunk.
Bacterial and viral diseases may be visible as open cankers that weep
sap or as tip and leaf dieback in the canopy. Any of the symptoms
indicate that assessment and possible treatment is necessary.
Check for Structural Issues
Structural issues can be from past
damage or improper pruning at some point that lead to a poor form.
Age can also lead to structural problems on a tree.
Leaning
Leaning can be from various issues.
Generally, if a tree has a slight lean and has been that way with no
changes for some years, then you likely have no concern, although an
annual assessment should still be done.
For newly leaning trees or trees that
have an increasing angle of lean, then the roots may have failed.
Sometimes in wet soils, particularly if they are sandy,
shallow-rooted trees develop a weakened hold on the soil. This can
cause the tree to topple during a rain and wind event.
Crossed Branches
Crossed branches in the canopy rub
together. Over time, this weakens the branches and increases the
chances of them breaking and falling onto something or someone below.
Although crossed, rubbing branches can
be difficult to spot when a tree is in leaf, but you may be able to
hear them. Squeaking or clacking sounds during breezy conditions
often indicates rubbing. Inspecting and pruning the tree during late
winter dormancy can also help prevent this issue.
Consider Location Problems
The location of the tree should have
been considered carefully at planting, but this isn't always the
case. Carefully assess the location of your trees, and make changes
when possible.
Overhanging Branches
Trees can be in the right location, but
overgrown branches can become an issue. If any branches scrape
against the house due to wind, they need trimming.
If trimming the canopy to prevent
overhanging branch issues affects the balance of the tree, it may
need removal.
Powerlines
Powerlines pose their own danger. You
do not want the tree branches to entangle in any power lines, since
this is both a fire and an electrocution risk.
Trimming near powerlines should only be
done by a professional, due to the risks.
Contact
McClain's
Tree Experts to schedule an assessment of your trees so you can
ensure your landscape is ready to withstand the storms.
