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Summer Storm Checklist: Preparing Your Trees

Summer Storm Checklist Preparing Your Trees

As a Midwesterner, I grew up with the summer thunderstorm, and now and then, I like a good summer storm. Do you like a good summer storm? ( I can smell it now!)

But, most summer storms are unkind to your urban trees. Not only do heavy rains create swamp fields, but our hailstorms are also merciless, and the wind is damaging. All trees are susceptible to the damage of an intense summer storm. However, healthy and robust trees will have a much better chance of withstanding severe weather.

Your trees may require some extra love and maintenance ahead of the coming storm season to enhance their safety and stability. Luckily, we have the tools and experience to help you improve the safety and stability of your tree by removing dead or dying branches and mitigate the risk of storm season damage.

Having your trees pruned of their dead, dying or broken branches greatly enhance its safety by decreasing the risk of falling branches during a violent storm. It's never a good experience to have a broken branch fall on your rooftop, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Dead or dying branches can attract a few unwanted hosts, such as molds, fungi, insects or small animals. The new inhabitants will eventually contribute to the decay of the tree, making it more vulnerable and dangerous.
 
Also, having your trees pruned improves their overall health and vigor. A weaker tree is a  more dangerous one!

So, what preventative measures can you take as a homeowner to make your trees stronger and more resistant to storm damage?
  • Always start by inspecting your trees. Walk around your tree and look for broken, dying, or dead branches. Deadwood is unpredictable because it is weak and brittle. Do you have deadwood in your trees that need to be removed?
  • Check for insects, disease or decay. This all indicates severe problems with the tree that should be addressed right away by a professional.
  • As you walk the trees, don't forget to look down! Do you see any root problems, such as stem-girdling roots, these are sometimes hard to detect, but have the most impact because a tree's roots are its ability to stay upright! Weak roots and a thick canopy can be a recipe for disaster during a storm.
  • Can you see some sky through the tree or is it a jungle in there? Keeping the canopy of your trees thin will help "storm-proof" your trees. Simply put: the thicker a trees' canopy, the more susceptible it is to damage from heavy winds. The sad part, even if the tree is perfectly healthy a dense canopy will not allow the wind to pass through, and the resistance will can the branches to snap or also take down the entire trees. 

If you have identified problems in your trees such as the above, contact a professional arbor consultant to help diagnose and create a plan of action for your trees health before storm season approaches! 

For additional information, tips, suggestions, or advice, you can fill out the form below or call our office ladies at 816-965-6758! They would love to hear from you!

Free Tree Hazard Assessment

Tags: Summer Tree Care, Summer In Kansas City | Tree Care Checklist, Spring Tree Care