When Mother Nature unleashes her fury, it’s not just our homes that suffer the consequences. Our beloved trees, those stoic guardians of nature, often bear the brunt of fierce storms and gales. As we survey the aftermath of such events, it’s more than important to understand how to care for our arboreal companions in their time of need. Should we just call Toronto Tree Removal and have them handle everything? Keep reading as we’ll be taking a look at things to do after storm damage.
Prioritize Safety and Assess the Damage
First and foremost, your safety should always be the top priority when dealing with storm-damaged trees. Before you even set foot outside, make sure to assess the situation carefully from indoors. Look for any visible signs of danger, such as fallen power lines or large branches hanging precariously.
Once you’ve ensured your safety, it’s time to assess the extent of the damage inflicted upon your tree companions. Take a close look at each tree in question and evaluate its condition. Are there any broken limbs or split trunks? Is the root system exposed or compromised? Assessing these factors will help guide your next steps in providing proper care for your storm-affected trees.
Do Some Pruning
Pruning helps remove broken or damaged branches, ensuring that they don’t pose any further risk to your property or anyone nearby. Start by inspecting your tree for any hanging, cracked, or split branches. These are potential hazards that need immediate attention. Be cautious and use proper protective gear when handling sharp tools like pruners or saws.
When pruning, make clean cuts just outside the branch collar – the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can lead to disease and decay. Also, consider removing any weak or narrow-angled branches that could easily break in future storms. Note that not all trees will require heavy pruning after a storm; it depends on the extent of damage sustained.
Save the Partially Uprooted Trees
When a storm hits, it’s not uncommon for trees to become partially uprooted. This can leave them vulnerable and in need of immediate care. Saving these trees is essential, both for their own health and safety, as well as for the overall aesthetics of your property. That said, gently try to straighten the partially uprooted tree using ropes or straps attached to stakes driven into the ground. Be careful not to add too much tension, as this could cause further damage. Once you have stabilized the tree, provide additional support by securing it with guy wires attached to stakes on opposite sides. This will help prevent further movement during strong winds. Next up, you need to monitor the progress of a partially uprooted tree over time.
Consider Removing the Tree If It Splits Down the Middle
When a tree is split down the middle, it can be a dangerous situation. The structural integrity of the tree is compromised, making it more prone to further damage and potential collapse. In such cases, be sure to remove the tree altogether. Splitting down the middle often occurs when there is significant storm damage or if the tree has been weakened by disease or decay over time. This type of damage cannot be easily repaired and may pose a risk to people and property nearby. Removing a split tree requires professional help from arborists who are trained in safe removal techniques. They will assess whether there are any salvageable parts of the tree that can be saved or if complete removal is necessary.
While it’s undeniably important to know what steps to take after storm damage has occurred, the ultimate goal should always be to prevent such situations from happening in the first place. By implementing preventative measures, you can safeguard your trees and minimize the risk of extensive damage during storms.