We recently had a devastating storm rip through the region. Hurricane-level winds took down large tree limbs, and many large trees themselves.
The last thing we want, as arborists, is for people to be afraid of their trees. Having a robust, and healthy urban canopy is essential to combating the effects of climate change.
Being able to spot the signs of weakness in your tree and taking proactive measures to ensure your canopy is healthy, and well-balanced, can help keep your trees – and you! – safe from storm damage.
Here are some signs that your tree is vulnerable to storm damage:
- Unbalanced canopy
- Large, overextended limbs
- V-shaped branch unions
- Cracked limbs
- Cavities or hollows in the trunk
- Not enough softscape to support the root system
- Restricted or missing root flare
How can your arborist help keep your tree safe from storms?
- If you spot any of these signs in your tree, have your arborist come by for an inspection.
- Regular maintenance pruning, performed by a professional arborist, is essential to the health and safety of your trees – especially the larger, more mature trees. Your arborist can help make your tree storm resistant through structure pruning (weight reduction and balancing)
- Installing steel cables or bracing bolts to support weak unions and repair cracked trunks can add another layer of protection against limb or trunk failure.
- If we suspect rot inside your tree, we can perform Sonic Tomography (similar to ultrasound technology) to take a look inside the trunk and check for internal decay and cracks!
- Root health is KEY for a safe and stable tree. Keep your tree roots strong and healthy with regular treatments of AborGain and Mycorrhizae.
Talk to your arborist today about how to keep your tree safe during storms!
Be Good to Your Trees.
Kristie Nairn, MA, MMst
Cohen & Master Tree and Shrub Services Ltd.
