How to Care for Storm Damaged Trees

While trees are a beautiful addition to your yard, they can wreak havoc if storms damage them. For this reason, it’s essential to always give some extra care to trees that have been impacted by severe weather. 

The TreeJob team has helped customers take care of their trees over the past four decades. Our years of experience have allowed us to take the stress of tree care off of home and business owners. 

If you live in an area with frequent storms or have a few trees you’re concerned about, take a look at the steps you can take to properly care for storm-damaged trees: 

Always Put Safety First 

Before you even approach the tree, look for any signs of damage that may compromise the safety of yourself or your home. For example, look out for any downed powerlines, high-up branches that look as if they’re loose, and any sign that the tree is not stable. If you notice that the tree is becoming weak to the point of potentially toppling over, and the tree is of considerable size, be sure to call us immediately. 

Assess Any Damage 

If safe to do so, start looking at the tree to determine the extent of the damage. Do you notice if any of the tree’s major limbs are broken? Are most of the branches intact? Is there the potential for the tree to fall on any major structures? Ask yourself these questions as you begin to move around it. Understanding the extent of any damage will allow you to create a plan to preserve the tree. 

Remove Broken Branches 

Again, if you determine that it is safe to do so, you can begin to clear away any broken branches. If you see any jagged branch edges, you may also want to remove these to prevent any potential decay from reaching the tree’s interior. If you notice smaller branches that need to be removed, always cut them where they join with larger branches. This step will preserve the tree’s look and allow for a faster recovery. 

Fix Any Pierced Bark 

Wounded bark can create an opening for pests and insects to make their way inside the tree and cause further damage. You can prevent this by fixing any areas where the bark has broken. You can use a knife to carefully clear away any bark that has torn. This action will also protect the nutrient system that brings food and water to the rest of the tree. 

Call a Professional 

It’s important to know that while there are some things — like clearing bark away or repairing branches — that you can do to maintain the look and health of your tree. More advanced tasks than these may require the eye and experience of a professional arborist. 

Additionally, your tree may need more advanced attention, like a root barrier to protect the tree’s root system or a deep root feeding to help restore the nutrients it may be losing if the root system has been damaged. Also, a professional tree removal company can help you determine if the tree needs to be removed or transported. 

If trees in your yard have experienced storm damage, allow the team at TreeJob to help. We have certified arborists on staff that can support you in reaching your tree management goals. Reach out to us today for a consultation.