Hidden Dangers in Storm-Damaged Trees

Introduction

Storms can cause significant damage to trees, leaving them weakened and unstable. The aftermath of a storm often reveals broken branches and uprooted trees, but some dangers are not immediately visible. Understanding these hidden risks is crucial to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Trees that seem fine at first glance might have underlying issues that can cause serious problems later on.

Imagine walking in your yard after a storm, confident that the trees have withstood the weather, only to have a branch suddenly break off. This scenario highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the hidden dangers in storm-damaged trees. The key to uncovering these dangers lies in the expertise of an ISA Master Arborist, a highly trained professional who specializes in the care and management of trees.

The Expert’s Role

An ISA Master Arborist, such as Matt Latham (TX-3737B), brings years of experience and specialized knowledge to the task of evaluating storm-damaged trees. His process involves a thorough inspection, both visually and using tools to detect internal problems. Matt starts by examining the tree from a distance, looking for obvious signs of damage like broken branches or uprooted roots. Then, he moves closer to inspect the trunk, branches, and root system for less visible issues.

Matt’s inspection process includes:

Visual Assessment: Checking for visible damage like cracks, splits, or broken branches.
Sound Testing: Tapping the trunk and branches to listen for hollow areas indicating internal decay.
Resistance Drilling: Using specialized equipment to drill small holes and measure the resistance, identifying internal cracks or decay.
Root Inspection: Examining the root system for signs of uprooting or damage that could compromise stability.

Through these methods, Matt can uncover hidden hazards that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Identifying Hazards

Matt explains that storm-damaged trees often have several hidden problems:

Internal Cracks: These cracks are not visible from the outside but can cause the tree to break unexpectedly. Over time, these cracks can widen, making the tree even more dangerous.
Weak Branch Unions: Branches may look stable but can break off easily because they are not securely attached. These weak unions often occur where two branches grow close together, forming a weak point.
Root Damage: Storms can damage the roots of a tree, making it unstable and more likely to fall over. Roots might be partially uprooted or severed, reducing the tree’s ability to anchor itself.

Prevention and Action

To stay safe around storm-damaged trees, it’s important to take proactive measures:

Regular Inspections: Have a certified arborist, like Matt Latham, check your trees regularly for any signs of damage. Regular inspections can identify problems before they become serious hazards.
Prompt Removal: Remove any trees that are identified as hazardous as soon as possible. Delaying removal can increase the risk of accidents, especially in areas where people frequently pass by or play.
Preventive Pruning: Regular pruning of dead or weak branches can prevent them from becoming a hazard during a storm.
Supporting Trees: In some cases, cabling and bracing can provide additional support to vulnerable branches, reducing the risk of breakage.

Conclusion

Properly assessing and addressing the risks posed by storm-damaged trees is essential for the safety of your family, neighbors, and property. The expertise of a certified arborist can help identify and mitigate these hidden dangers. By taking timely action, you can ensure that your trees remain healthy and safe.

If you have storm-damaged trees or want to prevent potential hazards, don’t wait. Contact Arborist On Demand for a professional assessment and peace of mind. Our team of certified arborists is ready to help you keep your trees safe and your property secure.

For more details, watch the video here and schedule your inspection with Arborist On Demand today.

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