Now that the clocks have gone back, the winter months are well and truly upon us. This time of year naturally comes with an increased likelihood of poor weather conditions and it’s often trees that are often the first to bear the brunt of heavy winds and rain.
Storm damaged trees will not only change the landscape of your garden or grounds but also pose significant risks. It is therefore vital that you plan ahead to secure your outdoor space. With the right approach, you can restore your trees safely. Here are five essential tips to handle storm damaged trees this winter.
1. Understand The Possible Types Of Storm Damaged Trees
When a storm occurs, trees can suffer a range of damage depending on the severity of the weather, the species of tree, and the condition and health of the tree prior to the poor weather conditions. The type of damage that has occurred will inform the best way to manage and plan your remedial action so it’s important to make sure you understand these before making any decision.
The most common types of storm damage to trees include:
- Broken or hanging branches which can fall at any time and pose immediate safety risks
- Split or cracked trunks which illustrate significant structural damage and can destabilise the entire tree
- Root damage or uprooting which may require complete removal
- Leaning trees
2. Assess The Damage Safely
Once you understand the type of storm damaged trees you are dealing with, it’s important to safely assess the severity of the damage. While it may be tempting to start clearing debris immediately, you should always examine the trees cautiously to prevent any accidents.
When assessing your storm damaged trees, always keep a safe distance from the tree as hanging branches may widen the area of possible risk to you. Try and observe the tree from multiple angles to identify any immediate threats, but never approach any storm damaged trees located near power lines or electrical wires without the advice or supervision of a professional.
3. Contact A Professional
Without the above safety concerns in mind, it’s advisable to always contact a professional tree surgeon if you are faced with storm damaged trees. Attempting to approach and handle tree damage on your own can be risky, especially if large branches, split trunks or surrounding infrastructure are involved.
A qualified professional, like the team here at Arborcure, will be best placed to carefully assess the storm damage and suggest the best course of action. This advice will always be provided with the knowledge of local safety standards and environmental regulations in mind, ensuring that the way you deal with storm damaged trees is safe and compliant – and restores your trees to health where possible.
4. Prune Storm Damaged Trees As Appropriate (With Professional Assistance!)
In many cases, a tree surgeon may recommend that pruning is carried out following storm damage to trees. Pruning is a common solution for trees that can be saved after a storm, as proper pruning removes damaged limbs while preserving as much of the healthy structure as possible.
While it can be tempting to prune the tree yourself, pruning storm damaged trees can be complex and should always be done with professional guidance. Incorrect cuts can weaken a tree’s structure and make it more vulnerable to disease. A professional will also ensure that the tree is able to retain a balanced shape, therefore increasing its chance of survival by promoting healthy growth and stability.
5. Consider Futureproofing Measures
After immediately managing your storm damaged trees, it’s also sensible to think about how you can protect your landscape against future storms. Even if you are not currently dealing with damage, you should use this as a timely reminder to protect your trees now to prevent possible damage later on in the winter.
Certain proactive steps can make your trees more resilient to strong winds and heavy rain, including:
- Correct pruning/reduction only when required to reduce the weight of heavy branches
- Cabling and bracing to provide support to weak structures/forks during strong winds
- Choosing storm-resistant species when planting new trees
Storm damaged trees can be a worrying prospect, but with careful assessment, the help of a professional, and preventative measures, you can manage storm damage safely and protect your trees for the future.
At Arborcure, we specialise in the complete range of professional tree services required to deal with storm damaged trees, including tree pruning. We can also recommend and carry out careful tree removal if this is the best course of action following storm damage to your space. Whether you need us to visit you in an emergency or want to speak to us about suitable steps to futureproof your grounds, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
