Winter storms can cause significant damage to your property’s landscape. Powerful winds and harsh weather conditions can snap branches and even uproot entire trees, compromising the health and safety of your greenery.
The aftermath can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can assess the damage and take the necessary steps to protect your property and trees.
Whether you tackle cleanup yourself or hire a professional, knowing when to seek expert help is essential.
This guide outlines key steps for assessing tree damage after a winter storm and how professional storm damage tree cleanup services can provide thorough and effective solutions for restoring your landscape.
Immediate Safety Precautions
Your first priority after a winter storm should always be safety. Before inspecting the trees, assess the overall condition of your property and the surrounding area.
Here are a few important reminders:
- Avoid Hazards: Inspect for broken branches or leaning trees that could pose a risk to your property or people nearby. Avoid standing directly under trees with visible damage, as they may fall unexpectedly.
- Downed Power Lines: If branches or trees are tangled with power lines, do not attempt to remove them. Report the issue to your utility provider immediately to ensure the situation is handled safely.
- Call Emergency Services: If large trees or dangerous debris pose a risk to your home, cars, or structures, contact emergency services. Professionals can quickly remove hazardous trees and minimize further damage.
Inspecting Your Tree After a Winter Storm
Once the immediate safety concerns mentioned earlier have been addressed, you can begin assessing the health of your trees. Look for the following visible signs of damage and structural issues.
- Visible Damage Indicators: Check for broken branches, cracked trunks, or missing bark. Ice accumulation from the storm can weigh down branches, causing them to snap or crack. Carefully remove any snow or ice to inspect the damage fully.
- Root System Check: Examine the tree’s base for exposed or damaged roots. Trees that have shifted position or show signs of root damage may be unstable and at risk of falling in the future.
- Tree Stability: Look for signs of the tree leaning or tilting unnaturally. A leaning tree often indicates root damage, making it dangerous to leave standing.
Risks of Storm-Damaged Trees and How to Address Them Immediately
Storm-damaged trees present several risks, including falling limbs, unstable structures, and increased vulnerability to pests or disease.
Understanding these risks helps you assess the situation so if need be, you can report it to emergency tree removal professionals.
1. Falling Limbs
Even after the storm has passed, broken or weakened limbs can fall at any time, causing damage to your property or injury. Addressing these risks quickly by removing broken branches can prevent further harm.
2. Unstable Trees
Trees that have been damaged but remain standing can be unstable. If a tree is leaning or showing cracks, it should be assessed for removal before it becomes a danger to your home or other structures.
3. Increased Vulnerability
Storm-damaged trees are more susceptible to diseases, pests, and decay. Prompt inspection and treatment can prevent further complications and improve the tree’s chances of recovery.
Common Issues for Trees After Storms Roll Through
Winter storms often cause several common types of tree damage. Understanding these issues will help you better assess the situation.
- Broken or Cracked Branches: Ice and snow can break branches, leaving the tree vulnerable to further damage. Small branches can be pruned, but larger breaks may require removal.
- Leaning or Uprooted Trees: Storm winds can cause trees to lean or uproot. Trees with intact roots but leaning may be salvaged, while severely uprooted trees should be removed.
- Damage to the Canopy: Damage to the upper branches and leaves can hinder photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and long-term health issues.
When and Who to Contact for Storm Damage Cleanup
After assessing the damage and understanding the potential risks, it’s essential to report the damage to professionals for storm damage tree cleanup.
You can clean your yard as best you can, but if there is large debris or unstable trees that pose a safety risk, it’s crucial to call in experts as soon as possible.
Providers of storm damage tree cleanup services have the equipment and expertise needed to remove hazardous trees safely and efficiently. They can also secure your premises, preventing further damage to your property.
Advanced Techniques and Equipment
When dealing with large or hard-to-reach trees, professionals often use advanced equipment, such as cranes, to remove debris safely.
Cranes and other heavy equipment are essential for safely removing large sections of trees, particularly leaning or tangled branches in power lines.
They allow arborists to lift and lower heavy tree parts precisely, ensuring efficient removal while minimizing the risk of further damage to surrounding structures, plants, and property. This method enables professionals to handle the task with minimal disruption, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Trust Eastside Tree Works for Expert Tree Damage Assessment and Cleanup
Winter storms can cause significant damage to your trees and landscape, but with the right approach, you can ensure the safety of your property.
Eastside Tree Works offers professional storm damage cleanup services, providing immediate and long-term care. Contact us today to schedule your storm damage cleanup service.
