Storm Damage Prevention: How to Spot Weakness in Your Trees

Powerful storms can cause significant damage by uprooting large trees and snapping off massive limbs. As arborists, our goal isn’t to make you fearful of your trees, but rather to help you maintain a healthy a robust urban canopy, which is crucial for combating climate change.

Recognizing the signs of weakness in your trees and taking proactive measures can protect both your trees and your property from storm damage.

Here are some indicators that your tree might be vulnerable:

  • Unbalanced Canopy: A lopsided tree is more likely to suffer damage in high winds.
  • Large, Overextended Limbs: These can break under stress or strong winds.
  • V-Shaped Branch Unions: These are weaker than U-shaped unions and prone to splitting.
  • Cracked Limbs: Visible cracks are a sign that the limb could fail.
  • Cavities or Hollows in the Trunk: These can weaken the tree’s structure.
  • Insufficient Softscape: Without adequate surrounding soil, roots may lack support.
  • Restricted or Missing Root Flare: A sign of potential root issues, which could destabilize the tree.

How Can Your Arborist Help?

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to have your tree inspected by a professional arborist. Regular maintenance pruning, especially for larger, mature trees, is essential for health and safety. Arborists can enhance your tree’s storm resistance through structural pruning, which helps balance and reduce the weight of the canopy.

Root health is also critical for stability. Deep root feeding can strengthen and nourish your tree’s root system, helping to ensure it remains resilient during storms.

Talk to your Rooted arborist today about how to fortify your trees against storm damage and keep them safe and thriving.

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