Hurricane Preparedness for Your Trees
Often at a home inspection, inspectors will report on overhanging trees and branches that could be potentially damaging to the home. This month we asked Arborists at K&J Tree Service to share on how we can prepare our yards to avoid damage during storms and hurricanes.
With the hurricane season in full swing, it is important to discuss some tips for minimizing potential damages to your home and landscapes. Trees are one of the most susceptible victims of hurricane and wind storms, but there are some ways to reduce the potential risks and damages.
Let’s start with the basics. First, you need to inspect your trees’ canopy. Look up to ensure that you do not have any dead, broken, or hanging limbs. These limbs or branches have the nickname “widow makers” for a reason.
Second, you need to understand pruning. Consult with one of our certified Arborists; we have specific pruning techniques that can help to reduce the wind resistance of your trees by thinning out the canopy. This precise pruning allows for better airflow through the tree during high wind circumstances.
Third, you should act quickly if a tree needs cabling & bracing. If you have a tree that looks like it may be splitting at a crotch (the point where two leaders, or big trunks, grow apart) the tree may need a brace to pull the crotch together in order to keep it from splitting. Cabling is a method where two big branches are connected through a high strength steel cable to make them move as one. K&J Arborists regularly install these cables and brace rods as they are supplemental structural supports intended to reduce the risk of failure.
The fourth is not often considered: the root system. The healthier the root structure, the stronger your trees become! K&J offers a deep root fertilization service that delivers essential nutrients which stimulates growth and promotes the health of your trees. With a strong and healthy foundation, your trees will be far more stable.
It is essential to understand that there is no such thing as making your trees entirely resistant to strong and powerful storms, but you can certainly take steps to minimize the risks.
For more information on K&J Tree Service emergency services, view a video here.
K&J Arborists are on call 24/7 and offer FREE Tree Risk Assessments, so call us today to book a consultation: 203-248-8733.
