In the UK the winter and autumn month often bring stormy, unpredictable weather. A storm can have a substantial impact on our gardens. After a particularly nasty storm, it’s crucial to assess any damage to your trees. We hope to guide you through the process identifying storm-damaged trees, taking steps to mitigate further harm, and knowing when to call in our expert team for help.
Recognising Damage
When it’s safe and you’re sure the storm has passed, take a look around your home and garden for any damage to trees. Be careful of any broken branches, especially those hanging over power lines, walkways, or your house. These can be very dangerous, so it’s important to deal with them right away.
If the tree has recently started to lean, as this could mean that the roots are damaged. A tree with damaged roots is more likely to fall in strong winds. Even trees that are naturally leaning can pose a risk, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay away from leaning trees.
Look for any cracks, cuts or splits in the trunk and branches of your trees. A storm can weaken the tree and its extremities particularly if its an older tree. If there are any near the base of large branches, the branch could break off and fall.
How do I Mitigate Further Damage?
Once the storm has passed, you can take steps to protect your trees and the area around them. First, make sure it’s safe to go outside. Wait until the bad weather is over to avoid getting hurt by flying debris.
Clean up any small debris you see, like leaves, small branches, and twigs. Even though they’re small, they can be tripping hazards. Check your trees for damage. If you see a tree leaning, try to prop it up before calling our expert team at West Country Tree Services.
When should I contact a tree surgeon?
Using your own intuition about the safety of your home or property, you may consider calling a professional. You may notice large or hazardous branches that are broken or hanging precariously. In this case a qualified member of our team will need to deal with this because they’ll have the best equipment and know-how to remove a tree safely and efficiently.
In the case of severely leaning, uprooted or cracked trees it is essential that you call for a professional opinion. A professional will be able to determine if the tree can be saved, removed and raise any other concerns about the tree(s). Taking these steps after a storm can help prevent further damage in the long run.