Prepare Trees for Summer Thunderstorms and Adverse Weather
May brings plenty of summer thunderstorms and adverse weather to Delaware and Pennsylvania. Those thunderstorms, in turn, bring plenty of risks to properties that have trees, especially fully-grown ones or nearby structures or vehicles. As a result, homeowners need to practice proper tree trimming and pruning in their landscapes to reduce the risks of damage to their homes and other areas of their properties. Below are tips on how to prepare trees for summer thunderstorms.
3 Tips To Prepare Trees for Summer Thunderstorms
1. Consider Tree Risks & Get Your Trees Inspected
The first thing you should do to prepare your trees for summer thunderstorms is evaluate potential risks. Your trees provide many benefit, but can also become a liability if they receive inadequate care and maintenance. Some of these risks may be difficult for the average homeowner to spot and may require a trained professional to recognize.
As you prepare trees for summer thunderstorms, work with an arborist to help identify potential risks during high winds and storms. To ensure you can enjoy a safe environment on your property, your arborist may recommend various treatments after completing a tree risk assessment. These may include:
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Cabling and bracing
- Tree removal
Check the health of your trees regularly, inspecting them for signs of decay, pest infestations, and other problematic issues. If your trees are located near a structure, like your home or garage, remove any overhanging limbs that may cause damage during a summer thunderstorm or adverse weather. A professional tree care service company can help you evaluate the health of your trees and resolve issues such as overhanging branches.
2. Get Your Trees Pruned or Trimmed
Having trees pruned to remove dead or weak branches is especially important for two reasons. First, keeping a tree pruned regularly can significantly cut down on wind resistance or drag on trees and prevent damage in intense storms. However, over-thinning is a risk, so work with a tree specialist or arborist to ensure proper results from tree trimming and pruning of landscapes.
Second, the strong winds during a thunderstorm can cause weak or dead branches to break and fall, damaging nearby property or injuring people. So, pruning and trimming can be an effective aid to prepare trees for summer thunderstorms.
