Tree Maintenance & Care

Fall is a great time to prepare the trees on your property for winter.  The trees in your yard can enhance your property, provide shade and offer abundant environmental benefits. However, trees can also pose a safety hazard to your family and your home if they are not properly inspected and maintained.

Trees can present a particularly significant danger during a storm. Wind, lightning, snow and ice can all transform a tranquil row of trees into an imminent threat to your property. Proper tree maintenance involves more than pruning and trimming overgrown branches. These are some of the key steps you can take to protect your trees and prevent them from becoming a safety hazard.  Look for these characteristics:

• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs.
• Signs of hollowing and decay.
• Mushrooms growing from the bark.
• Significant leaning to one side.
• Limbs in contact with power lines.
• Branches hanging over your house.
  • Although the branches may not be touching your house under normal conditions, high winds can cause trees and branches to bend or break.

Take the time to do a walk-through of your property and examine your trees for any signs of deterioration.  If you are enable to prune or eliminate damage, consult a professional tree-care service or arborist.

Sources:
Clatterbuck, Wayne. “Storm-Damaged Residential Trees: Assessment, Care and Prevention.” Extension.Tennessee.edu. The University of Tennessee;
Coder, Kim. “Storm Damaged Trees: Prevention & Treatments.” Warnell.Forestry.UGA.edu. The University of Georgia.