Trees bring beauty and functionality to any outdoor space. In residential backyards, they enhance curb appeal while providing shade. Meanwhile, in commercial spaces, trees make a positive impression on customers and guests.
In the Pacific Northwest, winters can bring storms that can turn trees from assets into potential risks. Investing in strategic tree care can help you protect your home or business from property damage, prevent accidents or injuries, and support the longevity of your trees.
Top Storm Threats to Trees
Many people call for emergency tree removal services after a winter storm, as harsh weather conditions, like driving snow and strong winds, can severely test trees’ strength and stability.
Here are some ways winter storms can impact your trees:
Heavy Snow and Ice Accumulation
Snow and ice can build up on tree branches, weighing them down. This additional load stresses the tree’s structure, causing limbs to snap or bend.
The impact goes beyond immediate damage; when a branch breaks, the tree’s stability is compromised, leaving it more vulnerable to future storms. Trees with large, spread-out canopies are especially at risk, as their broad reach collects more snow and ice.
High Winds
Strong winds test a tree’s flexibility and strength, and they can sometimes cause branches to snap. In some cases, they can even topple entire trees, particularly if they have pre-existing structural weaknesses or shallow root systems. High winds can also create secondary hazards by turning broken branches and debris into projectiles, which can damage nearby structures and even injure passers-by.
Freezing Temperatures
Freezing temperatures cause the sap inside branches to solidify, making them brittle. Once this happens, limbs that would normally bend under pressure are more likely to break. Trees already weakened by previous damage or those with naturally brittle branches are the most affected.
Extended Rainfall
Rainfall may not seem as immediately damaging as snow or wind, but extended rain can lead to waterlogged soil. Saturated soil affects root stability and makes trees more likely to fall during strong winds, necessitating emergency tree removal services.
Five Ways to Prep Your Trees for Storm Season
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your trees stay strong and stable despite harsh weather conditions. Here’s how to get your trees ready for winter:
1. Inspect Trees Regularly
Regular inspections reveal potential issues before they become significant problems. Check for dead or weakened branches that could snap under the weight of snow or ice. Look for cracks, peeling bark, or areas where branches split from the trunk. These signs indicate structural weaknesses that need attention from a professional Seattle tree service.
2. Prune Strategically
Pruning helps maintain a tree’s strength and form. Removing dead or damaged branches reduces the risk of breakage, keeping the tree balanced and more capable of withstanding storms.
However, over-pruning can create imbalances, so it’s essential to be precise and methodical. Strategic pruning promotes healthy growth and reduces the strain on vulnerable areas, ensuring the tree is as prepared as possible.
Remember that pruning can be dangerous work, especially if the tree in question is very tall or has structural issues. In cases like this, it’s best to entrust the job to a tree service in Seattle. A tree service company has the expertise and experience to not only prune tall trees but also identify potential issues and recommend the next steps.
3. Use Cabling and Bracing
Cabling and bracing provide support for trees with heavy or unevenly-developed limbs. These techniques reinforce the tree’s structure, making it less susceptible to damage from high winds or heavy snowfall.
Mature trees that are important to a property’s landscape benefit the most from this support. Proper cabling and bracing by a Seattle tree service can significantly extend a tree’s life and improve its resilience during storms.
4. Check Root Health
Assess the soil around the base for signs of erosion or exposed roots, which indicate potential weaknesses. If soil conditions seem compromised, adding mulch or compacting the area can enhance root support. Healthy roots help trees remain upright, even in saturated or unstable soil conditions.
5. Maintain Tree Health
General tree health impacts how well a tree can endure a storm. Healthy, well-nourished trees also recover more quickly from minor damage. Maintaining a regular care routine ensures trees are resilient when winter arrives.
Post-Storm Tree Care
Once the storm has passed, inspect trees and promptly address any issues. Immediate action can prevent further problems and ensure safety. Here’s what to do:
Assess Damage From a Distance
Safety should always come first. Inspect trees from a distance, especially if there are fallen branches near power lines or structures. Look for broken limbs, large cracks, or signs that a tree’s stability may be compromised.
Remove Broken Branches
Prompt removal of broken or hanging branches is crucial. Partially attached limbs pose a danger, as they can fall unexpectedly and cause injuries or further damage.
Check for Long-term Damage
Not all damage is visible immediately. Inspect trees for cracks or splits. If left unaddressed, these issues can compromise a tree’s future stability. Identifying and resolving such damage ensures the tree remains strong and can handle future weather conditions.
Consult a Professional
For complex cases, it’s best to involve a Seattle tree service. Professionals can perform a thorough assessment, provide necessary treatments, or recommend emergency tree services if a tree poses a hazard.
Make Sure Your Trees Are Winter-ready With Help From the Experts
Preparing trees ahead of winter storms is an investment in property protection. For expert assistance with routine tree care, winter preparation, or emergency tree removal services, rely on Eastside Tree Works.
A trusted resource for tree care since 2005, our family-owned and -operated business serves Seattle, the greater Eastside, and North Bend. Contact us today to learn more about our tree care solutions or to book a service call.
