What to do when a wind storm damages your trees
Wind storm damaged trees can occur when a tree is subjected to higher than normal wind loads. It can be pushed or pulled excessively in different directions, causing branches to break or the entire tree to fail. Wind damage is common in areas prone to strong winds, such as waterfront regions and open expanses like farm fields.
There are several signs that a tree may have sustained wind damage. If the tree has broken branches or if the canopy of the tree appears to be leaning or tilted, it may have been damaged by wind. Other signs of wind damage include bark that has been stripped or torn off the tree, as well as roots that have been exposed or pulled out of the ground.
If a tree has sustained wind damage, it is important to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the tree can be saved or if it needs to be removed. If the damage is minimal and the tree is otherwise healthy, it may be possible to repair the tree by removing any broken branches and providing support to the tree if necessary.
However, if the damage is severe or the tree is unhealthy, it may be necessary to remove the tree to prevent it from falling and causing further damage. In this case, it is important to hire a professional tree removal service to safely remove the tree and minimize the risk of injury or property damage.
It is also important to prevent wind damage to trees by properly maintaining the trees and providing support to young or unstable trees. This can include pruning branches to remove any weak, diseased, or dead branches, as well as providing support to young trees with staking or other methods.
In addition, it is important to plant trees in areas that are less susceptible to strong winds, such as in protected areas or behind windbreaks. By taking these steps, it is possible to minimize the risk of wind damage to trees and ensure that they remain healthy and stable.
There are a few steps you can take to help protect your trees from wind damage:
- Plant trees where they will receive protection from wind, such as in a sheltered area or on the leeward side of a building.
- Prune your trees regularly to remove damaged or diseased branches, which can make the tree more vulnerable to wind damage.
- Use stakes or guy wires to support young or newly planted trees.
- Avoid planting trees susceptible to wind damage in areas prone to strong winds.
- Have your trees assessed by a qualified arborist for and decay or defects that may increase the risk of structural failure.
If you notice that a tree has been damaged by wind, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Severely damaged trees may need to be removed, while smaller branches can often be pruned to help the tree recover.
It is always advised that you talk to a certified arborist about any concerns you may have about the potential for wind storm damaged trees on your property.
