Storm season takes many forms in the United States. Those in eastern states may be mindful of the Atlantic basin's storm season from June 1 to November 30, and those in the northern and southern plains might be more concerned about peak tornado season from May through July. The nature and timing of storm season vary depending on where you live. But while you can't predict the weather, you can do something to make the outcome of extreme weather a little more predictable by limiting potential damage to your property. Are the trees in your yard ready for storm season?
Periodic Inspections
Although it's always a great idea to periodically inspect your yard for any trees that have the capacity to be dangerous in extreme weather, this is arguably more important prior to storm season. What sort of warning signs are you looking out for?
Trees at an Angle
The biggest risk is from trees that look like they may not actually withstand extreme weather—and perhaps haven't recovered from their previous encounter with strong winds. Look for trees that are at an angle, indicating that their root system has destabilized. Also pay attention to yellowing foliage, indicating that a tree is sick, or even dying. Sick trees tend to shed twigs and branches, and their bark will show signs of deterioration.
Removal or Treatment
A tilting tree or a tree with unseasonably yellowing foliage is another sign that a tree may not survive extreme weather, and can cause damage when it falls. Problematic trees may need to be removed—and while you can generally remove smaller trees yourself, an arborist will be needed to safely remove larger trees. There's also the possibility that some tilted trees can be secured, and sick trees can receive treatment to restore their health (in some cases). However, it's crucial that such efforts are well underway before storm season hits.
Trimming and Pruning
Don't overlook the importance of professional tree trimming and pruning. This may seem less essential, but it's not about beautifying the tree. Trimming removes a lot of loose twigs and foliage—which are likely to detach during strong winds and be strewn across your yard (as well as clogging your gutters and dirtying your swimming pool). Trimming and pruning is essentially preemptive cleaning—minimizing any storm mess before it actually happens.
Although the trees in your yard can seem perfectly innocent, they're capable of causing considerable mess and damage during storm season. With a little preparation, you can limit their ability to cause too many problems.
Share9 September 2022
After we moved into our house, we knew that something had to be done about our trees. The branches looked off-kilter, and we could tell that someone had pruned them incorrectly at one time or another. Unfortunately, we weren't really sure how to repair the damage. A family friend talked with us about hiring a professional tree trimmer, and so we called them the next day. The difference that they made was astounding. They removed dead branches, trimmed up the shape, and let more sunlight through. My blog is all about improving the look of your trees by hiring a professional.