Do you have trees in your vicinity? Like most people, you probably have no idea these leafy companions must be prepped every time a storm is expected. Well, as it turns out, it is necessary to do this. However, before we delve into how, here are some reasons why doing it is important.

Why is it important to prepare trees for storm season?

Tree health and longevity

Tree maintenance is one of the activities involved in prepping. According to arborist services, this includes inspection and pruning as it promotes the overall health and longevity of your trees. Once maintenance is done, your trees will be in the best condition to handle the stress that comes with a storm.

Storm resistance

There’s a huge difference between a well-maintained tree and one that is not. This is because the former is better positioned to withstand storm damage. During maintenance, you get to remove weak branches, thus promoting a strong tree structure that can withstand heavy rainfall and high winds that could otherwise cause significant harm.

Property protection

Trees, especially those that are larger, threaten human and property safety if not prepared for storms. Imagine overhanging or dead branches breaking off while children play in the yard or on top of a parked vehicle. Tragic, isn’t it? Preparing your trees goes a long way in minimizing such risks.

Environmental impact

We all know that trees are necessary for the environment to thrive. Not only do they provide oxygen, but they also absorb carbon dioxide and support diverse ecosystems.

In that regard, preparing trees for storm damage guarantees that the environment continues to function without interruption. Moreover, prepped trees enhance soil stability and ultimately prevent erosion, especially during heavy downpours.

Economic savings

You need to think about what happens after a storm when debating whether to prep your trees. For instance, the cost of repairing or removing damaged trees after a storm can be significant. To bypass this, you can prep your trees in advance.

Aesthetic appeal

Needless to say, trees play a crucial role in landscaping and improving the curb appeal of any home. A storm can damage the beauty of your trees and landscape, which may take years to recover. Why not avoid that by prepping your trees?

Ways of prepping trees for storm season

Now that you know why it is important to prep your trees prior to storm season, here’s how to do it.

Inspect and prune regularly.

The first step in prepping your trees should be an inspection. By so doing, you get to determine the kind of work needed to get your trees in top condition. This also promotes healthy tree growth.  During the inspection, look out for weak or dead branches and prune them. 

Promote good structure

For your trees to withstand extreme weather conditions, they need to be well-balanced. However, this is not always the case, as you may find some branches rubbing against each other or leaning too much on one side.

This can compromise a tree’s integrity and make it susceptible to storm damage. As such, it would be best to prune where necessary to eliminate the rubbing or leaning.

Mulching matters

A healthy tree can withstand more than one that is not. Of course, tree health starts from the roots. In that regard, you may want to place mulch at the base of your trees as it will help retain moisture in the soil, regulate soil temperature, and improve the quality of soil.

That way, you will have healthy-growing trees that can withstand the extremities of a storm.

Support weak limbs

When inspecting your trees, you may find that some of their limbs are weak. Of course, such trees will not be able to handle the severity of a storm. In that case, you may want to install braces or cables for supplementary support.

Choose the right tree species.

Did you know that the right trees for the soil you have and the climate in your area will weather the storm better? Therefore, when you are planting trees, keep this in mind. Native trees, for instance, are best suited for local weather patterns hence able to withstand storms better.

Secure loose items

Another way to prep your trees for extreme weather is by removing any loose items around them that could turn out to be projectiles in a storm. These include garden tools, patio furniture, and any other objects that pose a threat to tree structure.

Check for pests and diseases.

It is necessary to regularly check your trees for signs of pests and diseases because these can weaken your trees. As previously mentioned, weakened trees are more prone to damage during a storm. When you promptly address the issue of pests and diseases, you improve your trees’ chances to weather storms unscathed.

Create windbreaks

The action of planting shrubs or smaller trees around your larger trees is a strategic one. You see, these smaller plants help safeguard your giant trees from strong winds, reducing the impact of a storm and preventing damage to your trees.

Ensure proper drainage

Too much water around your tree roots can cause them to be unstable. Consequently, you want to confirm that the drainage around your trees is functioning to avoid waterlogged soil, which can weaken the root system.

Avoid over-pruning

Granted, pruning is a major and crucial step when prepping trees for a storm. However, you want to be careful not to over-prune. Why? Because doing so can stress your trees making them more susceptible to storm damage.

Have an emergency response plan.

Sometimes, even with maximum damage preventive measures, your trees will suffer damage during a storm. As such, it is necessary to know who to contact for professional assistance when that happens.

Conclusion

You cannot prevent nature from taking its course. But, you can prepare yourself by trying to prevent tragic outcomes after a storm.  With the above-mentioned tips, you get to ensure that your trees are in the best condition to weather the storm and continue giving you years of service after that.

You can do the maintenance by yourself, but for the best outcome, work with experienced tree services Bethesda.