Preparing your trees for Hurricane Season
As Hurricane Season begins, it is important to be prepared. Remember that trees are one of the most vulnerable and hazardous objects during a storm.
One important aspect of protecting your home and loved ones is ensuring that your trees are sturdy and resilient against high winds.
Proper preparation can help minimize damage and keep your property looking its best.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Identify which trees are susceptible to hurricane damage.
- Inspect tree limbs for weak spots and rot.
- Get a professional to trim branches that could fall on your house or hurt a loved one.
- Don't over-do it! A certified arborist will ensure that the canopy is preserved, taking no more than 25% of it's normal growth.
- Ensure that your trees have been cleared of deadwood. Deadwood invites pests, and breaks away into projectiles too easily during a storm.
- Avoid cutting the root system. If there is a conflict between the root system and a structure or project, let the arborist review the situation.
- Have all stumps ground down below grade. Stumps above grade pose a tripping hazard, regardless of season.
It is important to have a certified arborist assess the health of your trees. They will be able to identify any potential weak points or hazards, assess risks and recommend the best course of action.
Additionally, they can provide you with guidance on how to properly trim and prune your trees to ensure that they are able to withstand high winds.
Trees close to Homes and Powerlines are Dangerous in Storms
Check your property for trees planted near homes and power lines. These trees can easily become hazardous in hurricane weather.
Too Close to a Home
It’s concerning when a tree is planted too close to a home and it highly surpasses the building's height.
The root system may not have fully developed and might be affecting the house foundation growing on or under it. This probably results in lack of the tree’s stability presenting a threat in major storm weather.
In windy conditions, almost everyday on Maui, the limbs and trunk may be rubbing and striking against the building, which might result in damage to the home and the tree. Damaged bark presents a way for illness or infestation to get in the tree. An ill, weak tree can easily fall in heavy winds.
With the only Tree Radar in Hawaii, ClimbingHI can assess the health of roots and interior of the trunk to determine if a tree is too weak to withstand hurricane winds.
Too Close to Power Lines
Fallen trees are a common cause of dangerous loose power lines and power outages in a storm. Trees growing near power lines are a threat and can become even lethal in hurricane weather.
If your trees are within reach of the power lines it’s important to take action. Don’t touch them or try to trim them yourself, this is a dangerous job best left for professionals. Call an arborist to take care of the job.
Better Safe than Sorry!
As we move into the onset of hurricane season, it’s important to remember that proper preparation can help minimize damage to your home, property and protect your loved ones.
ClimbingHI Tree Services is here to help you get ready for whatever comes your way. We offer a range of services including tree removal, pruning and trimming, storm clean-up and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for hurricane season.
And don't forget to check out our blog for more tips on keeping your trees healthy and safe!
For the LOVE of TREES!
How to Take Care of Your LYCHEE Trees
