High winds and trees don’t always mix well. With the high winds our area has received this week it’s wise to take a look at your tree to see if the winds did any damage and if the tree is unsafe. For many homeowners, it may be difficult to know if your tree is safe or not or to spot damage. We’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of 4 warning signs to look for after high winds to help you get started.
1. Cracks in the trunk of the tree or in major limbs
Cracks in the trunk or major limb of the tree can pose a big danger to homeowners. A crack is a weak point in the tree. If not taken care of timely, the crack in your tree can continue to split and become bigger, in some cases causing the cracked limb to completely fall or the cracked trunk to split right down the middle. Cracks can sometimes be hard to spot because they blend in with the bark of the tree, so make sure to look closely.
2. Branches that are broken or hanging downwards
Hanging, broken, and damaged limbs often occur after high winds. These limbs are very dangerous because they could fall at any point hurting people that happen to be in the vicinity and damaging property that is under or near the tree. Look for limbs that are snapped, hanging low/pointing downward, or have lots of leaves that have been ripped off by the wind. An arborist can evaluate which limbs pose a risk and prune them out of the tree safely.
3. Leaning Tree
A leaning tree can be normal if it grew in that way; however, a tree that starts leaning or it’s lean gets worse after high winds can be a big cause for concern. In these cases, the strong winds may have caused the tree to lose its structural integrity and it may need to be removed.
4. Heaving Soil Around The Base of the Tree
If you notice heaving soil around the base of your tree after strong winds your tree’s root system may have become unsound. Heaving soil is a sign that the tree’s root system is damaged and uprooting from the soil. If your tree does fully uproot and fall it’s likely to cause a lot of damage. Uprooting usually happens when strong winds occur while the ground is moist from heavy rains.
Are your trees damaged from these strong winds? We can help! Give us a call at 703-573-3029 or book an appointment with one of our Certified Arborists.
