A major storm has passed over the neighborhood and you are left to wonder how your trees have fared? You may be walking the property in its wake, not quite sure what one is to look for.
Richmond homeowners put such questions to us with some regularity; it is something we think most do not give the importance it deserves. We at Truetimber Arborists can tell you from experience what a storm will do to a tree, having tended to them here in Richmond and beyond since 1998. Should severe weather leave you with any doubts, our team is available at (804) 376-8094.
There is no denying that storms take their toll on a tree. The wood, roots and canopy are all subjected to the strain of high winds, ice, lightning and rain. In some cases the damage is plain to see. More often than not though it is there in front of you and the tree appears unscathed until it is a hazard down the road. Being aware of the warning signs is what allows you to intervene before a minor issue results in a limb on your roof or driveway.
Damage You Can See From the Ground
A good walk of the yard will turn up the more evident of these signs. Make an inspection of every tree.
You will want to be on the lookout for:
- Limbs broken or hanging in the canopy, the type known as widow-makers
- Splits or large cracks in the trunk or on a main branch
- Bark torn loose or stripped
- A noticeable lean to the tree that was not there prior to the storm
- Roots at the base that are lifted or exposed on one side
- Forks between two stems that have split
Any of the above is cause for concern as they indicate a lack of structural integrity. A tree that is leaning and has given up its hold on the soil is of particular note.
The Harder to Find Damage
Then there are the problems that do not make themselves known. They are the ones to catch a homeowner by surprise as they come on slowly.
In the weeks after a storm, check for these more subtle things:
- Leaves wilting, browning or falling when they should not
- An absence of new growth
- Mushrooms or fungus at the trunk
- Wood that is soft or has changed colour where the bark is compromised
- Branches dying back from the tip
Such symptoms are usually indicative of root or internal damage the storm inflicted but did not show right away. Open wounds and cracks let in water and with it decay. Our plant health care division is equipped to put a tree back on track with deep root fertilization, drought stress relief and disease management.
Why You Should Not Put Off Storm Damage
One might be inclined to let a damaged tree be and put faith in its ability to mend. But time is not always kind to some damage. That cracked limb in the upper canopy will stand for a while until a gust of wind does it in. A trunk that is weakened can just give way.
Our ISA Certified Arborists have the TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) credentials to know the difference between a tree requiring close watch and one that calls for action. On top of that, each of our arborists has been through the Truetimber Academy, our own certification and training.
Safety First After a Storm
Leave the serious work to us. It is not safe to be climbing a wounded tree or near hanging limbs, and you would be wise to let a professional deal with downed limbs and power lines. We are licensed and insured and will provide emergency response, day or night, if a tree is a threat to you or your home.
Scott Turner started Truetimber Arborists in 1998 as a Richmond company. We are your neighbors in Carytown, the Near West End, Bon Air, Midlothian, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, The Fan, Church Hill, Forest Hill and Yorktown. In 2014 our environmental stewardship was acknowledged by Friends of James River Park who made us a River Hero.
Do not put it off to the next storm if you have seen any of these signs. For a free estimate call (804) 376-8094 and we will get back to you in 24 business hours. Let us have a look at the situation before it becomes one of greater proportions.
