While we are in the thick of storm season, it's important to prepare your trees for the weather to prevent incidents that could put you or your property at risk. Here’s some helpful advice on how to prepare your trees and keep them safe during storms.
Assessing your trees is the best place to start. Consulting an arborist can be done if you are not familiar with your trees or if you need a professional, second opinion. All trees are different, and not every protective method is applicable to every tree on your property.
If your tree presents a storm risk, prevention is better than no action. Starting early in their growth to promote healthy roots and a strong trunk will not only reduce their risk but also improve the longevity and health of your trees. Try not to plan major earthworks around trees this season, as the rain can wash the soil away, causing the roots to loosen, thus uprooting the tree and causing it to topple.
Selected pruning can also strengthen branches. Cutting away dead or broken branches, along with any that are close to structures like hanging electrical wires or your roof, is another good preventative measure. This reduces the chances of branches snapping in the winds, and good pruning at a young age can also make your trees more resilient.
Other methods, like anchoring and tenting, can be used, but if done incorrectly, they can do more damage than good. So, make sure you do your research and look after your trees this storm season for their health, your safety, and your peace of mind.