Protect Your Property from Future Winter Storms
/It’s hard to believe, but the cooler temperatures are on their way, and soon we will be dealing with snow and ice as winter gets closer. Before the weather turns too cold and you’re still able to get outside, it’s a good idea to prepare your trees and landscape for those possible winter storms. Here's some helpful information and a few tips you can follow to prevent possible costly winter storm damage to your trees or home.
In January 2014, a “winter storm caused widespread damage across numerous midwest, southeast and northeastern states and the total estimated costs were $2.2-$2.4 billion.” (National Centers for Environmental Information) The damages in these types of storms usually consists of power outages, car accidents, snow, wind, freezing rain accumulation, and of course ice and snow on tree limbs, causing them to fall. Fortunately, most homeowners’ policies cover this type of damage. “Tree limbs that fall on a house or other insured structure on the property—this includes both the damage the tree inflicts on the house and the cost of removing the tree, are generally [covered] up to about $500.” (Insurance Information Institute)
Even though the damages from these events are usually covered under your homeowners insurance, it’s best to avoid filing a claim if possible. Here are few things you can do to help your trees withstand the power that winter can bring (Purdue University):
Eliminate codominant stems by pruning weak-forked branches. Choose a good, strong central leader for young trees.
Inspect trees for broken, dying, diseased and dead branches each year. Also, conduct a visual assessment after a storm event.
Under no circumstances should a tree be “topped” to prevent wind or ice damage.
A healthy tree is the best defense to any challenge the tree may face in its lifetime. Appropriate watering and fertilization improves root growth and structure, making the tree more stable.
Luckily, you still have a few more weeks before any winter storm is expected and autumn is one of the best times to assess your trees and prune where needed. If the job is out of your realm of expertise, consider consulting a certified arborist. And if, despite all your preparation, you find yourself with damage to your home following a storm, “a professionally trained arborist can determine if a tree can be saved. Even if the tree must be removed, safety and training are needed to prevent additional damage or injury from the removal.” (Purdue University)
Browning Tree Service employs Joshua Browning ISA certified arborist license #KY-9849A who is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!
Resources:
https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/events.pdf
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-FAQ-12-W.pdf
