There is nothing like a winter storm making its way through Richmond to have one question on your mind: will my trees be standing come morning? The thought of an ice storm putting a limb on your car or roof, or even over in the neighbor’s yard, is enough to give anyone pause. And before the cold sets in it can be hard to know what to do about it.
We are fielding those kinds of questions all fall here at Truetimber Arborists. Scott Turner put us in business in 1998 and as a Richmond company we have been at it for decades, putting local homeowners’ trees in order for the rigors of winter. Call (804) 376-8094 and we will go over your property with you.
You could look at fall as the lull before the storms. What you make of it will determine if winter is an occasion for a couple of hundred dollars in preventive measures or a few thousand to put in on emergency repairs and cleanup.
Winter and Richmond Trees
Do not be fooled by the appearance of a Richmond winter; it is hard on trees. You have ice building up on branches for all the weight it puts on them, wet snow on limbs that are not up to it, and then the wind comes in and exploits any decay or split that was missed in better weather.
A tree that gives way in winter is seldom a healthy, well tended specimen. There are usually some hidden issues. Take a limb that was no trouble in July, come January and with the leaves and active growth gone to support it, and under the burden of ice it is a liability.
Preventing Damage in the Fall
It is a matter of nipping small problems in the bud so they do not become large ones when winter does its work. Removing a cracked limb in October is inexpensive. Have it on your roof in the wake of a February ice storm and you have an altogether different situation.
An arborist coming out in the fall will save you money in these ways:
- Put an end to weak, dead or crossing branches prone to failure
- Trim back an overgrown canopy to deny the storm something to hold onto
- Find structural defects such as cavities or weak unions in time
- Make note of hazard trees in the vicinity of power lines or your home
- Get rid of debris overhanging walkways and roofs where it would cause the most harm
Our ISA Certified Arborists are TRAQ credentialed, so we are equipped to assess a tree’s propensity to fail and what might be in its path. On top of that our people have all been through the Truetimber Academy for their training and certification, ensuring a knowledgeable approach from whomever is at your door.
Better Trees Stand Up to the Weather
Of course there is more to prevention than just pruning the weak stuff. A tree in good health has no trouble with a storm whereas one undernourished or dealing with pests will not fare as well. Our plant health care division is there for that. In the fall we will see to the condition of your trees with:
- Fertilization of the root system prior to dormancy
- Treatments for the soil
- Management of any pest or disease to keep the wood sound
- Regulators for size and structure
- Alleviating drought stress on a tree that had a hard season
If a tree is still in recovery from drought or disease it is only going to shed limbs once the weather changes. Tending to it in the fall allows months for the tree to respond to the first freeze.
Storms Will Come
Richmond weather does what it wants and even with the best of preparations a storm may not leave your place alone. But should a tree or limb present a problem for your home, Truetimber has an emergency response team on hand day or night. We are fully licensed and insured and will return a call in 24 business hours or less.
We cover Richmond and environs from the Near West End and Carytown to Bon Air, Midlothian and Short Pump, as well as Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, The Fan, Church Hill, Forest Hill and the Yorktown area.
Make a fall assessment of your property now rather than wait for an ice storm to show you where you are vulnerable. It is the easiest way to sidestep an expensive winter. For a free estimate to get your trees in shape before the cold, get in touch with Truetimber Arborists at (804) 376-8094.
