Dealing with storm damaged trees after Hurricane Harvey
CHAMPAIGN, IL (September 7, 2017) – Major storms, such as recent Hurricane Harvey, reveal the power of Mother Nature and can leave a trail of damage that has a lasting impact on your home and landscape, especially trees. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers some post storm advice to help you and your trees recover from this disaster.
Tearing winds and penetrating winds of a hurricane work together, softening soils and causing trees to overturn. The failure of part or all of a tree in your landscape may cause significant damage to personal or public property, as well as, utility lines. Tree owners can follow some simple steps to ensure a safe and effect response to tree-related storm damage:
Assess the damages – Evaluate your trees carefully by asking the following questions: Other than the storm damage, is the tree basically healthy and vigorous? Are major limbs or the main upward-trending branch still remaining? Is at least 50 percent of the tree’s crown (branches and leaves) still intact? If you answered “yes” to the majority of these questions, there is a good chance for complete recovery.
Take safety precautions – It is important to consider the potential hazards associated with being around storm damaged trees. Trees may have come in contact with electrical wires, broken and dangling limbs may fall, and trees or limbs under tension from debris can react when debris is removed or when cut.
Resist the urge to do it yourself – If large limbs are broken or hanging, or if ladder or overhead chain saw work is needed, it is a job for a professional arborist.
Hire a Certified Arborist – Professional arborists should have the experience and proper equipment necessary to safely and efficiently remove or prune severely damaged trees. Consult an ISA Certified Arborist® who can help you assess the extent of the damage caused by the storm and help you determine what action should be taken. Hiring a Certified Arborist to assist with post-storm repairs may also help avoid unnecessary loss of your trees.
Beware of price gouging – Sometimes less credible tree services will take advantage of storm victims. Good tree work by qualified professionals is not inexpensive, however, poor work, no matter the price paid, can cost you a great deal. Professional prices should include liability and workman’s compensation insurance, as well as bucket trucks and equipment.
You can learn more about dealing with storm-damaged trees and ISA Certified Arborists by visiting www.TreesAreGood.org. To find an ISA Certified Arborist in Texas visit isatexas.com.