Much of the nation struggles with heavy storms and strong winds during the summer, and either can leave the trees on your property the worse for the wear. Damaged trees pose a danger to both people and your property.
That makes it particularly important to know how to inspect your trees for any damage so that you can get a tree service out right away whenever it's needed.
Prioritize Safety Above All
Before you start your inspection, take a good look at your surroundings. You want to make certain that there are no downed power lines caught in the branches of your trees before you approach. Also, remember that the ground around your trees may be soaked and slippery, so make sure you have sturdy footwear.
Do a Visual Inspection of Each Tree's Canopy
You're probably familiar with the canopy line of each of your trees, so do a quick visual inspection. If a tree's canopy has shifted entirely, that indicates the roots may have pulled loose from the ground and the tree is unstable. You also want to look for broken or hanging limbs that are only partially detached. Visible splits or cracks in limbs and scorched areas from lightning strikes also should be noted.
Make a Closer Inspection of the Bark
If you determine that a tree can be safely approached, look closer at the bark on its trunk for any deep cracks, new splits, or other wounds. You can tell a new split from an old one because the visible wood will be lighter in color than the surrounding areas. Cracks and splits will need some attention so that they don't become openings for pests and disease.
Evaluate the Roots for Potential Problems
It can be a little more difficult to detect problems with a tree's root system, but you should be on the alert for newly visible roots or old roots that now appear to be broken just above the soil level. A soil disturbance (where it looks like something dug around in the dirt near the tree's roots) is also a cause for concern. That could indicate that the roots of a tree are seriously weakened.
Take Action to Minimize the Damage
If your trees appear to have sustained minor damage, you may be able to handle the pruning yourself. For significant limb damage, deep cracks in a trunk, or a tree that appears to have loosened roots, contact a professional tree service to deal with the problem and protect both your safety and the health of your trees.
For more information on tree trimming or removal, contact a tree service near you.
Share18 July 2023
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.