How to Protect Your Trees from Storm Damage

The pounding of rain or hail and the fury of wind test the strength of the limbs, trunk, and root system of trees. The key to survival or loss can be the care you give your tree before and after a storm. Knowing ahead of time what to do when a storm strikes can also prevent or minimize your financial loss.

Planting and Pruning

Carefully choose your trees and consider their location when you landscape. Visualize the young tree when it is mature and avoid planting it near wires, too close to a building, or in spots where it will be in danger of blowing over. Planting in groups, or planting species with naturally deep root systems can also help prevent trees from being blown down. Be careful to choose species that are not prone to breakage and ones that are appropriate for local conditions. For example, in an area that frequently experiences early winter ice storms, a tree that holds its leaves until late in the season probably would not be a good choice.  To prevent weakness, trees should be pruned when they are young. As they grow, pruning dead or weakened limbs annually and thinning excess branches from the crown will help keep them strong. The goal is to produce a well-shaped tree with the center of gravity squarely over its trunk. You should also water, fertilize, and protect the soil from compaction to keep trees and roots healthy and vigorous.

The law requires tree owners to recognize dangerous conditions and correct them. Property owners can be held liable for injuries or damage to the property of others if they fail to remove a tree that then falls under reasonably foreseeable circumstances.

After a Storm

The confusion following a major storm can result in removal of trees that could be saved or the improper weakening of a tree that can reduce its healthy life. After a storm, assess the situation and determine what to do with damaged trees. Tree work can be extremely dangerous, and a tree care company should be used when:

• a tree is large and requires high climbing or the use of a chain saw;
• a tree is leaning on a structure or entangled with another tree;
• wires are involved or structures are endangered;
• major repair of the tree is necessary;
• a large limb is split or broken but still attached to the tree;
• when you do not have the proper tools, knowledge, or health to do tree work.

Selecting a Professional

Because of the danger involved in tree work, it is important to use a professional, not an amateur, to remove or repair damaged trees after a storm. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, an arborist is legitimate if:

• They have an established business in the community.
• They are listed in the phone book.
• They are fully insured for property damage, personal liability, and worker compensation.
• Ideally, they are a member of a professional association of arborists.

It is also wise to get more than one estimate. When removals are necessary, have a clear understanding about who removes the limbs and debris from the property, and whether or not the price includes stump removal and clean-up. Your tree will have value as firewood or chips that should be considered in the estimate.

This article has been provided by the MBA, a non-profit and non-partisan association which represents the building industry in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. The information contained in this article was provided to the MBA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The MBA develops and offers education for consumers as well as members. By establishing business ethics and industry standards, the MBA has earned a reputation as a trusted resource. Consumers enjoy our promotions for housing and housing products, while members take part in our professional and social activities throughout the year.