Storms can bring lots of problems for your trees. High winds, ice, or snow can result in damage, loss, risky situations, and liabilities to your trees and property. The level of risk and likelihood of survival are the two main considerations when it comes to responding to this damage. This means that if a tree is likely to endanger people or the property, it should be removed without question. However, if the risk from the damage is “acceptable”, and the damage to the tree is not life threatening, it may be possible to save the tree and reduce the risk of danger.

When storms occur, trees get damaged in a few ways.

Window throw is when the whole tree is pushed over by high winds. This occurs when the force of the wind is too great for the root system to handle. The root system may not be able to handle this because of previous damage caused by construction or inadequate maintenance. This leads to poor anchorage. Before a storm occurs, the roots should be inspected for fungus, exposed roots, or lifting. If a larger or mature tree has been uprooted, it is usually not salvageable.

Crown twist occurs when high winds load on a lopsided crown, causing major branches and the stem to twist and suffer from damage. This results in splitting and cracking of branches. If this occurs near old wounds or other defects, it can lead to the tree failing. In order to mitigate damage from crown twist, inspect the tree closely. Subtle cracks and defects can be difficult to spot. This damage is usually easy to deal with if it occurs in the branches, but much harder if the trunk is affected.

Stem failure is common if the tree trunk has damage already. It may fail under excessive winds, rainfall, snow, or ice. This usually cannot be repaired. When inspecting the tree, you should look for decayed areas, cavities, nesting holes, and fungus.

Root failure can also occur. When inspecting, look for heaving soil and roots close to the trunk. Also look for pulled or broken roots and mushrooms. The risk of damage may be able to be reduced depending on the tree’s age, size, and how much of the root system is exposed. When damage occurs, young trees with healthy roots can usually be fixed with supplemental support. However, if more than 30% of the root system is exposed, it may be better to remove the tree.

Branch failure can be easily fixed but can also be risky. The best thing to do is to prune before storms to prevent weak branches from damaging the tree and other structures.

While it is impossible to “protect” a tree from a storm, you can minimize the risk of damage. One of the best things to do is to allow a tree to grow naturally so it can adjust to its environmental conditions. Pruning is a very important aspect of preventative care as well. Inspect the trees regularly for broken, diseased, or dead branches.

To properly take care of your trees before or after a storm, the best option is always working with a certified arborist. By working with tree service companies in Hunting Valley, you can ensure that your trees are receiving excellent preventative care and great restorative care if damage does occur from a storm.

The first, obvious reason is aesthetics. Without trees, properties can look barren and drab. They also offer little privacy. Large, awkward, hanging branches can be dangerous and can also distract from the overall appearance of a property. In fact, beautiful and well-maintained trees can increase property value.

In addition to beautifying your property, taking care of your trees also offers environmental benefits. Trees offer protection from rain, snow, and harsh sun. They also cleanse the air, give shade, and block wind any time of year.

Regular tree care is also extremely important for safety on your property. This can help prevent large or dead branches from falling on people, buildings, and cars. Damage caused by unmaintained trees can often be more expensive than a regular tree care routine. This routine is important for keeping trees in good condition. It keeps them healthy and can even maintain flower and fruit growth. It also helps address issues before they can cause damage.

Cleveland Heights tree company Vancuren Tree Care can help you create a tree care routine and ensure that trees in your home are healthy and beautiful. Experts at Vancuren can help you with this and start you off with a free estimate to determine how you can keep your trees in the best condition possible.

It can be hard for a homeowner to know if they should trim a tree and hope the wounds heal over or if the tree is sickly or dead and should just be removed. The VanCuren Tree Service company has 30 years of experience to help Cleveland homeowners when it comes to answering questions about tree trimming versus tree removal.

Cleveland Tree Trimming

Cleveland Tree Removal

VanCuren’s professional team is experienced and knowledgeable about the best option to choose between Cleveland tree removal and tree trimming. If you know one of the trees on your property is already dead, call us to remove it before it is too late. Be proactive. We care about your safety and the safety of your Cleveland property.

The Fall

One of the most common tree trimming accidents is falling off of a roof or ladder. It only takes one slip to fall and you could be left paralyzed or worse. When you’re up on the ladder, it can be hard to tell how far out you are leaning to the left or right. You should also always have someone watching you on the ground in case of an emergency.

Many more risks come with standing on the roof while trimming a tree. The roof’s steep incline could be tricky to navigate, bad choice in shoes, or stepping on loose roofing materials are just a few dangerous traits. Taking precaution or having a person with you is not enough. Tree trimming and tree removal are complicated projects that should be left to the professionals who have the correct equipment, extensive experience, and follow safety rules.

Hit by Falling Tree Branches or Tree Debris

Tree trimming and tree removal require a high level of skill and knowledge in multiple tools while wearing a full wardrobe of safety gear from head-to-toe. All of this equipment becomes expensive and cutting corners is not an option. A professional team already owns all of the necessary equipment to do the job right and with the highest precautions.

Nature’s Bite or Sting

Trees are home to various animals and insects, so by trimming or cutting down a tree you are disturbing the wildlife living there. It is highly possibility to be attacked by small animals such as: squirrels, skunks, and raccoons or by insects like wasps or bees.

Electrocution

Always assume that a power line is live and any contact by bumping equipment or your body into it can be fatal. Above ground power lines sometimes hang close to the roof or to trees and should not be ignored. It is best to hire a professional to fix this issue instead of trying to handle it yourself.

Accidents happen, and we certainly don’t want them to happen to you. Avoid risking your own life while fixing up the trees on your Cleveland Heights property. Stay safe and call our professionals at VanCuren today. You can count on us to attend to tree trimming, tree removal, or emergency servicing issues in the safest way possible.

Be prepared by getting your trees inspected early on. If you notice any of the following issues, consider consulting a Cleveland Heights tree removal company. An arborist will check to confirm if any of the trees on your property are weak, old, or are already dead and ready for removal. However, even the strongest trees are susceptible to breakage and damage under certain heavy weather conditions.

Windstorms and rainstorms are the most common causes of tree damage. A downpour or flooding on your property can carry away the sediment to expose the tree’s root system. If this occurs and a tree’s anchoring root system lacks sediment to grip onto, the tree could topple. Alternatively, heavy ice and snowfall tend to add a lot of extra weight to tree branches and may split or break boughs. After a storm passes, check the trees around your property for damage or indications of tree abnormalities such as: exposed roots, splintering, splitting, several broken or fallen branches, or a snapped tree.

It is not uncommon to see large branches spread across the yard or part of a tree toppled or leaning on electrical wires after a heavy storm. While the newly separated pieces that caused visible damage are the priority, the rest of the tree may still need to be removed. Although it is okay for trees to lose a few branches, there are certain situations where missing more than a few can lead to rapid decline.

If you notice any of these issues after a storm has calmed, consider a consultation from a tree removal company. Our team at VanCuren Tree Care is fully trained to evaluate and make a recommendation on removal of any dangerous trees around your Cleveland Heights home.