As hurricane and tropical storm season approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your home for the inevitable onslaught of heavy winds and punishing rain. While your home could be at risk, your trees may also suffer when exposed to these elements. In some cases, preparation may involve tree removal, but there are several other preventative measures you can take to protect their integrity, including following storm updates. Here’s what you should know.

What Can You Do to Get Trees Ready for Storm Season?

1. Check the Branches

Branches can pose a significant risk to both human safety and your belongings. If a tree has weak or otherwise compromised limbs, they’re at risk of snapping off the tree and striking something or someone beneath it. You can avoid this by taking a proactive approach to tree care. 

While one option is to remove the damaged branches before the storm, another method is to schedule regular pruning to ensure that the branches grow in a healthy manner without losing their integrity. That promotes a wider canopy with less risk of breakage and poor health.

2. Consider Removing Trees

Not all trees are strong enough to withstand the rigors of a storm. If there’s one on your property that is in danger of failing and may damage your home or your neighbor’s property during a storm or hurricane, it may be best to hire a tree removal professional. 

Signs of possible failure include split branches, peeling bark, decaying leaves, or presence of pest infestation. An ISA-certified arborist can confirm the extent of the damage and confirm whether complete removal is necessary.

3. Inspect for Leaning

Leaning makes a tree far more susceptible to falling during a storm or a hurricane. Sometimes trees lean because their roots are broken. They may appear only slightly off center, but you might notice upon closer inspection that the soil surrounding the tree appears to heave. 

That’s a key sign that the tree is at risk of falling, and may not be strong enough to withstand the weather event. A professional may recommend removing it, especially if it is a mature tree as these are unlikely to survive once they fall. By contrast, a young tree has a better chance at survival if it’s pulled back into position.

If you suspect you may require tree removal before a storm or hurricane or you’d simply like to assess the condition of your trees, turn to the team at Attaway Tree Service in Moody, AL. The ISA-certified arborists offer a broad range of services to ensure your trees remain in great condition year-round, including maintenance and pruning. Visit the website for more information, or call (205) 529-5380 to request a free estimate.