Introduction
According to Handy, it is crucial to be prepared before the storm season arrives to wreak havoc on the trees on your property. That means getting rid of any thick canopies that can block the wind or removing the branches that are too close to utility lines or even your house.
The Signs
Here are a few signs to look out for when you are trying to identify the trees that would be a risk during the hurricane season:
Decayed and hollowed trees – Without proper care, certain trees on your property can start to decay from the inside. It is difficult to detect such damage to the trees unless there are holes in the surface that let you peek inside to check the level of decay.
In extreme cases, the tree can become completely hollow from the inside and that is noticeable even from a small hole in the surface. Such trees are extremely weak and cannot survive a hurricane or other extreme weather conditions. In fact, they can fall at any moment. Thus, it is important to check for any decaying trees on your property and either fix them or get rid of them as soon as you can.
Trees with limbs hanging over the roof of your house – Trees naturally grow in the direction where they receive the maximum sunlight. Oftentimes, they grow over your roof since it is free of any shadows or obstructions and thus, receive plenty of natural sunlight. However, they can pose a significant risk to your property, especially if their growth is left unchecked.
Even if your trees look healthy, the large and heavy horizontal limbs of trees can fall since they put too much pressure on the joints. During a hurricane, these heavy branches can break and completely collapse the roof of your home if they are not taken care of properly.
Trees too close to utility lines – According to the Tree Care Industry Association, a tree is deemed hazardous if its branches are hanging within ten feet of overhead lines. This is because if those heavy tree limbs and branches break during a hurricane, they will bring down the utility line with it and cause lots of problems for your area.
For instance, they can blow out the power in the area and even bring down the internet connection. In fact, they can even lead to fire damage if the dry wood falls over the electric lines.
Trees leaning towards your home, garage, or play area – A leaning tree may not always pose a problem unless it leans towards your home, garage, or play area. Although the root system of the tree can remain strong in normal conditions, the trees can fall during a hurricane depending on the strength of the root and the angle of the lean.
Conclusion
Handy suggests you hire a professional arborist to help you identify trees that are wounded, diseased, or hollowed out from the inside. They can also help to remove trees that are too close to your home safely and minimize the risk of any accidents.
