Storms are more than just puddles or scattered debris. Storms can cause serious damage to trees that is not always obvious. Hidden tree damage can pose a serious safety risk in the days or weeks that follow. You should know how to check your trees following a hurricane. You, your family, and your neighbors will be safer.
This checklist is designed to help you evaluate your trees safely and thoroughly after a storm.
Safety First
Prior to any inspection, always put your own safety first. The conditions around trees damaged by storms can be unpredictable. Be aware of:
- If you see a power line that is sagging or has fallen, contact the utility company immediately.
- Hanging branches: Large limbs can break at any time.
- Unstable Trees : A tree with a leaning branch or a disturbed soil could fall at any moment.
Never climb or cut branches if you’re unsure about your abilities or the stability of the tree. Ask a professional for help if you are unsure.
Check for Damage
Begin by doing a visual check on every tree in your yard. Slowly walk around each tree to check for:
- Broken branches Pay attention to large branches that have broken, but remain lodged within the canopy. These branches need immediate attention because they could fall at any moment.
- Split trunks or limbs : Splits and cracked trunks and branches can weaken the trunk and need trimming or removal.
- Uprooted Trees A tree that is partially uprooted can still be dangerous. Trees may fall over in the future due to windy conditions.
Prioritize the removal and trimming of branches or trees that are a danger to buildings, pathways, or areas where people or pets spend time.
Check the canopy carefully
Check for:
- Widowmakers: The broken limbs have been caught by branches that are still growing.
- Small pieces of foliage or broken branches: These minor damages may indicate stress.
Binoculars are a great way to get a better view while on the ground. Never stand beneath any suspicious branches.
Examine the trunks and bark
You should examine the main trunk. Look for:
- Vertical cracks or splits: These can make the tree unstable.
- Missing bark: Areas of large missing bark (also called “bark stripping”) can indicate that the trees have suffered a serious trauma.
Trees with severe trunk damage will not survive and could become hazardous in the future.
Inspection of the root zone
The roots of any tree are the foundation for its strength. Even if a tree is standing upright, storm forces can damage its roots. Check the area around a tree’s base for:
- Raised soil: Raised or cracked soil around the tree may indicate that the rootball is shifting.
- Exposed roots: Roots that are suddenly visible over the ground may have been dislodged during a storm.
- Leaning trees A tree that leans that did not before the storm is a sign that its roots have been compromised.
If the roots of a tree are weak, it can fall even if it appears to be stable.
After the storm, assess the stability of the area.
Some damage might not be apparent immediately. Keep an eye on your trees after a storm. You can detect hidden root damage by:
- Sudden leaf loss
- Branches dying back
- New tilting or Leaning
- Reduced leaf density
These signs may indicate that your tree is stressed or unstable.
When to Call for Professional Help
Consult a certified arborist when you’re unsure of the safety of a particular tree or notice any significant damage. Professionals can assess the condition of a tree to determine if it can be saved with some care and pruning or if its removal is necessary.
Final Thoughts
After a storm, trees deserve careful attention. Other signs may take time to appear. Regular inspections in the days, and even weeks, following severe weather can help protect trees, people, and property.
Knowing what to look for and when to seek professional advice will help you to safely manage tree damage caused by storms.
This post was written by a professional arborist at Tree Removal Clearwater FL. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arborwise Tree Services is a tree removal company that offers stump removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.