As the weather shifts towards storm season, homeowners across Eastern Massachusetts are gearing up for potential challenges. While many focus on common preparations like clearing gutters and securing outdoor furniture, one critical aspect often goes overlooked: the health and stability of your trees.
In our region, where coastal storms and nor’easters are a regular occurrence, your trees can quickly transform from beautiful landscape features to potential hazards. High winds, heavy rain, and saturated soil can lead to falling limbs, uprooted trees, and broken branches. These can cause costly property damage and put your family’s safety at risk.
But there’s good news! With professional tree care from arborists (like us at Tree Tech Inc.), you can significantly reduce storm-related risks and protect your property year-round.
Let’s explore how to prepare your trees for the upcoming storm season with the following steps:
Recognize the Warning Signs
Many tree problems aren’t immediately visible to the untrained eye. Even trees that appear healthy can harbor hidden weaknesses. Eastern Massachusetts’ unique climate, with its harsh winters and sometimes dry summers, can stress trees over time.
Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
- Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
- Dead or hanging branches
- Trees that are leaning more than usual
- Soil heaving around the base of the tree
- Exposed roots
- Fungal growth at the base of the trunk
- Sparse leaf coverage or sections of dieback
Factors like drought, improper pruning, compacted soil, or previous storm damage can create structural issues within the tree, making it more vulnerable to failure during severe weather.
So if you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to call in the experts. Certified arborists can perform a thorough inspection to assess the level of risk and recommend appropriate actions before the next storm hits.
Prune Trees Strategically
Preventative pruning is a key strategy in preparing your trees for Eastern Massachusetts’ unpredictable weather. A well-pruned tree performed by a professional arborist is more likely to withstand high winds and heavy rain, potentially saving you from costly storm damage and cleanup.
Professional pruning services focus on:
- Removing dead, weak, or crossing limbs
- Thinning dense canopies to reduce wind resistance
- Elevating low-hanging branches over walkways, driveways, or roofs
- Correcting structural flaws early in a tree’s life
When done correctly, pruning not only improves a tree’s storm resistance but also enhances its overall health and appearance. It promotes better airflow through the canopy and encourages robust growth, all while reducing the risk of limb failure during storms.
It’s best to trust the experts since they have the right training, tools, and knowledge of local tree species and weather patterns.
Reinforce Mature Trees
Mature trees provide cool shade on hot summer days, boost your property’s curb appeal, and can even increase your home’s value. But when storm winds howl, these gentle giants can become potential hazards.
The best ways to keep your big trees strong and safe are with cabling and bracing. These techniques act like a support system for your trees by strengthening weak spots where branches meet, taking pressure off limbs that might be at risk, and giving extra protection during windy weather. When performing cabling and bracing, tree experts use special equipment that works with your tree’s natural movement.
Get Healthy Soil
Just like a house needs a solid foundation, trees need healthy soil to stand strong. Many people don’t realize that trees often fall because their roots can’t hold on, not because their trunks break.
Here’s how you can give your trees a strong foothold:
- Loosen packed-down soil so roots can spread out.
- Add a layer of mulch around the tree (but not touching the trunk).
- Make sure water drains away from the tree, not toward it.
- Keep heavy things like cars or big tools away from where the roots grow.
By taking care of the soil, you’re helping your trees dig in deep and stand tall, even when the wind picks up.
Check For Problems Before the Storm
The best time to get ready for storms is before they come. A tree risk assessment from an expert arborist can save you from big headaches (and big bills) later on.
When a tree expert visits your yard, they’ll look closely at all your trees, find problems you might not see yourself, suggest trimming or extra support if needed, and help you decide which trees need care right away.
Stay Ahead of the Storm With an Arborist Assessment
Tree Tech Inc.’s team has over 35 years of experience keeping Eastern Massachusetts trees healthy and strong. So whether you have one special tree or a whole yard full on your Eastern Massachusetts property, our arborists will give you a clear plan to keep them safe. They’ll look at your yard, spot any risks, and help you make a plan to keep your trees safe all year round.
Don’t let the next big storm keep you up at night! Call Tree Tech Inc. for an expert tree risk assessment, or fill out our contact form here.