When it comes to protecting your property and trees from storm damage, it’s important to work with an arborist that you can trust. An ISA Certified Arborist is highly trained to identify problems before they turn into emergencies.
Some tree damage can be repaired with pruning and other services, while others may require professional removal. Here are five ways an arborist can help you with your storm-damaged trees:
1. Assess the Damage
A tree’s initial appearance after a storm can be deceiving. The bare branches of a broken tree may look dead, but if it is not creating a safety hazard and does not have significant structural damage it may be able to recover with proper care.
An arborist can assess the damage by inspecting the entire tree, including the roots. They will check for exposed roots, which may be a sign of root rot, or for signs of girdling. They will also look for leaning or uprooted trees and check the posture of the crown. If they are concerned that a damaged tree poses a serious safety risk, they will recommend prompt removal.
Inspecting a tree after a storm can be dangerous, so it is important to have a qualified professional perform this assessment. A certified arborist will be able to spot problems that untrained eyes might miss, such as snags, broken branches, and twisted trunks. They can also prune the tree to reduce weight and wind resistance, allowing the canopy to open up for better airflow. They will make sure that all cuts are clean and made just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk) to avoid leaving stubs, which invite pests and diseases.
Preventative maintenance is the best way to protect your property’s trees from storm damage. Prune regularly to keep the tree structure healthy and reduce risk of damage. Water deeply and regularly to ensure that the roots are hydrated. Plant the Right Species: Select native species that are well-adapted to local weather conditions and climates. Mulch Young Trees: Apply mulch to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and promote root growth.
2. Remove the Damaged Branches
When assessing storm damage to trees, it’s important to remove all broken and hanging branches that pose a safety risk. This should be done carefully, preferably with the help of a trained professional. It’s best to avoid using power tools when working near a damaged tree, as unstable branches can fall unexpectedly.
Removing damaged limbs also helps to improve the overall stability of the tree, which can make it easier to repair. When trimming a tree, it’s important to use sharp pruning shears or loppers and make clean cuts just outside of the branch collar (the swollen area where the limb attaches to the trunk). This promotes healing and prevents disease and pest infestation.
It’s possible for mature trees to recover from a few major missing limbs, as long as there is enough healthy foliage remaining. However, if a significant portion of the canopy is gone, it’s probably not worth saving the tree. It may not be able to grow enough replacement leaves to support the tree through another growing season, and it will likely be misshapen, making it more vulnerable to attack from opportunistic microorganisms and damaging insects.
Finally, it’s a good idea to cover any exposed roots. This can be done by mulching or by using a 2- to 3-inch layer of silt. It’s particularly important to do this on sloped areas where soil erosion is a problem.
When a tree is too damaged or poses a safety risk, it’s usually best to call a certified arborist for removal services. They have the specialized equipment and extended experience necessary to safely and efficiently remove trees, even in challenging locations such as those close to structures or power lines.
3. Replant the Tree
When dealing with storm-damaged trees, an arborist’s job doesn’t stop with removing damaged limbs and pruning the remaining ones. They can also help the tree survive its ordeal by replanting it.
When replanting, it’s important to keep in mind that transplanting is a traumatic experience for any tree. It’s therefore vital to do everything possible to reduce the stress on the roots during this time. To do this, start by removing the topsoil surrounding the roots. This is important because it can help reduce root rot in the new location. Next, dig a planting hole that’s about 2 feet wide for every inch of the trunk diameter. This will ensure that the lateral roots have enough space to grow and mature.
After preparing the planting site, use a tree dolly to lift and place the root ball in it. Then, fill in the soil and water the area to help settle the tree. Finally, cover the hole with a layer of mulch to protect and insulate the roots.
While it’s impossible to prevent all weather-related damage, regular inspections by an arborist can help. They can identify early signs of disease, pest infestations, and structural weakness that could compromise a tree’s stability during extreme weather conditions.
With the right knowledge and equipment, an arborist can save even the most severely damaged trees. They can perform emergency repairs, provide pruning services, and even remove hazardous power lines. To learn more about what an arborist can do for your property, call Advanced Tree & Shrub Care today. Our certified professionals can assess your property and recommend the best course of action for restoring your trees after a storm.
4. Clean Up the Area
Trees are incredibly resilient and can recover from a wide variety of damage. However, storms can also cause extensive damage to trees that may require immediate attention. After severe weather, cleaning up from winter storms is essential to prevent further damage and ensure the health of your trees and landscape. It is essential that homeowners exercise caution and contact a certified arborist to determine the best course of action for their tree damage.
In addition to cleaning up storm debris and removing dead or damaged limbs, arborists can also help with a wide variety of other services. They can provide pruning, fertilization, and other services to promote healthy trees and protect them from future damage. They can also assess soil conditions and recommend the proper planting site for new trees.
Moreover, they are well-versed in the causes and treatment of common diseases and pests. This helps them to quickly identify and correct problems, such as root rot or a hollow core, that may impact the health of the tree. They can also evaluate leaf loss or discoloration to detect any hidden damage. Arborists are trained to spot potential hazards, such as large hanging branches or those leaning against structures or power lines.
In addition to assessing and managing tree recovery after severe storms, arborists can provide valuable insight and guidance in other areas, such as plant health care, tree appraisals (for insurance purposes or property transactions), preservation planning for urban forests and green spaces, and ordinance guidance. They are also well-versed in the proper methods for mulching, watering, and fertilization to reduce stress on trees and promote their growth. They can even help with the process of obtaining permits for construction and home improvements that impact the landscape. They can also help with emergency tree removal when necessary to prevent safety hazards for people and property.
5. Repair the Damage
A major part of the cleanup process after a storm is repairing the damage done to trees and other plant material. If you notice damage to your tree, it is important that you contact a professional arborist immediately. They will assess the situation and determine if the tree can be saved or needs to be removed. Arborists are trained to handle the most complicated tree-related issues and have access to specialized equipment that ensures a safe restoration process.
The first thing to do is to make sure everyone is clear of the area around the damaged tree. It is imperative that you stay away from any power lines and avoid touching any limbs or branches that have broken off, as these could fall with force and cause serious injury. Always call your local utility company if you suspect that a line has been damaged. Many people are killed or injured each year while trying to prune or remove tree limbs and debris after a storm.
Inspect for broken limbs, cracks and splits in trunks and other structural damage. Look for fungal growth, soft spots and cavities, which may indicate internal decay. Heaving soil at the base of the tree may indicate that it has been uprooted and will need to be carefully handled.
Once the safety concerns are addressed, pruning is often needed to repair storm-related damage. This can include removing broken limbs, thinning the canopy to reduce wind resistance and reducing the number of limbs that are too close together or in the wrong place. The arborist will also use cabling and bracing techniques to support damaged trees if necessary, and will seal any large wounds with tree dressing to help prevent pest infestation.