The ABC's of Tree Service: Tips for Everyone

Tired of Falling Branches? Consider Tree Lopping

29 December 2015

Roberto Palmer

Powerful thunderstorms, strong winds, or ice storms are unfortunately common and can result in fallen trees, branches, and damage. While in some cases the destruction may only be limited to landscaping, storms near metropolitan areas or neighborhoods can result in costly repairs or injuries to bystanders. You may not be able to prevent the inciting storm, but there are plenty of precautions you can take in regards to your trees that can reduce the resulting damages of an afternoon rainfall or even a natural disaster.

Understand Proper Branch Attachment

It is surprisingly simple to locate and predict which branches will be the first to fall when wind gusts strike. Natural imperfections can result in improper branch union, and the resulting limbs are not as sturdy or well connected as others on that tree. In general, healthy branch attachments are present when a thick ridge of bark surrounds the branch where it sits on the main trunk. This represents a proper union, and these branches are much less likely to succumb to powerful weather.

On the other hand, branches lacking this bark ridge or those with a codominant leader (two trunks that are fighting to become the centerpoint) are greater hazards than strong, healthy trees. If you notice these issues, having a professional tree lopper visit your property to remove these potential dangers can save you quite a bit of money in repairs in the long run.

See if Your Trees Exhibit Signs of Decay

Another predisposition to falling limbs is the presence of decay or disease. Often easy to spot when close-up, this natural process can lead to tree failure and weaken the overall structure of the plant. This is most noticeable (and disastrous) when it affects the main part of the trunk and can be tested by determining the amount of solid wood (in comparison to sections with compromised bark or fungi-ridden branches).

This issue can also be solved by cautious tree pruning that removes damaged areas while leaving an adequate base for the tree to regrow.

Proper Maintenance

To further your prevention efforts, make sure that your trees are watered properly and the surrounding area is fertilized when nutrients are low. Keeping an updated journal of the trees in your yard and their potential problems can also be beneficial to a tree lopper, like Colourful Tree Lopping, if you decide to utilize their services. This will guarantee your trees' health and decrease the likelihood for fallen limbs, branches, or entire trees. 

Share

Search