In our area, fall often brings storms with strong winds that can threaten the stability of trees. Trees that fall unexpectedly can do a lot of damage, unfortunately. By planning ahead and having your trees pruned before those storms arrive, you can reduce the chances of problems arising.
Remove Interior Branches
The interior of some trees can get quite thick, and when that happens, there’s more resistance to the wind. Pruning some of those interior branches can allow the wind to pass through more easily, reducing the likelihood that an entire tree will topple over in a storm.
Remove Weak Branches
If your trees have weak, damaged, or diseased branches, consider having them removed sooner rather than later. Those branches are likely to break when stressed in any way, so it’s safer to remove them before the fall storms come our way.
Make Sure the Cuts Are in the Right Place
When having branches removed, make sure the cuts are made strategically. A cut should be made in a way that preserves the branch collar, which is an area at the base of a branch that’s slightly wider than the remaining part of the branch. The branch collar can then grow over the wound, sealing it shut and protecting the tree from infections and pests. On the other hand, if too much of the branch is left during pruning, the branch collar will have a harder time covering up the wound.
Strengthen Trees Instead of Weakening Them
Cutting too many branches or cutting the tops of trees can make them much weaker. Additionally, damaging the root system can result in additional vulnerabilities. A licensed and experienced professional can prune trees in a way that makes them stronger and more resilient.
Remove Dangerous Trees
Have a professional take a look at your trees and determine whether some are at risk of falling. If any of them are leaning heavily or show signs of weakness, consider having them removed, especially if they’re located next to your home or power lines. By doing so, you can hopefully avoid a situation in which you experience significant property damage or have to go without power. This can also keep those in your household much safer.
Preparing for fall storms can be a challenging task. Make things easier on yourself by having an expert take care of the tough job of pruning your trees and possibly removing some of them. Call Charleston Stump Stompers, located in Charleston, SC, if you need any help with storm preparation.
