While trees can be beautiful additions to any yard and provide plenty of benefits, in certain cases, they can also be dangerous. This is especially the case if a tree is prone to being damaged by a storm. The fallout can be disastrous. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to recognize and remove the threat of such problem trees.
Types of Tree Damage
First, you should know exactly the kind of danger you could encounter with your trees during a storm. One of the biggest hazards is something known as a blow-over. This is when a tree is uprooted during a storm and literally topples over on top of whatever is unlucky enough to be in its path.
Branch or limb failure is also a significant danger. A falling limb can harm or kill. Even if a tree is not uprooted, its failure can cause thousands of dollars in damage if it moves in the wrong direction. Also keep in mind that such storm damage can weaken a tree and cause it to fail months or even years later when you least expect it.
Identifying Problem Trees
You may not know how to identify trees that can pose a true danger during a storm. A few of the telltale signs are:
- Dead branches
- Hanging limbs
- Leaning trunk
- Rotten wood
- Noticeable decay
- Trunk cracks
It’s a good idea to inspect the trees in your yard for these kinds of signs on a regular basis. Once you know that a tree could be dangerous, you can have it removed or at least take steps to make it safer if a bad storm were to occur. Trimming failing limbs is one way to minimize the hazard during future storms.
Minimizing the Danger
Regular maintenance can greatly reduce the danger of harm from trees during a storm. This means taking steps such as removing pests that could cause disease and pruning branches and limbs as needed. It also means planting trees only where they’re least likely to cause harm — far from the house, where branches and limbs could not impact windows or siding. However, in certain cases, problem trees must be removed. That job is dangerous and should always be handled by professionals.
A problem tree could lead to disaster during a storm, so don’t wait until it’s too late. If you live in the Kansas City, MO area and need tree removal services, hire our company, Everhart Tree Service, for the job. We have been serving the area for over 25 years and have the experience and skills needed to remove problem trees from yards quickly and safely.