Trees need loving care
Except for the constant mistreatment by humans, a tree is in the greatest danger during severe storms. The rain, hail, wind, and resulting flooding or ice weight is a test of your tree’s health and strength.
Any storm has the potential to damage your trees and in turn life or property. The tree can be a financial and personal loss based on what you do before and the after the storm.
The right tree for the right place is the main consideration for where and what tree to plant. Don’t plant weak, fast-growing trees near anything of value. If you have a tree that potentially would be a problem, seriously consider removal and replacement with a desirable species.
Old, weakened, or topped trees can be a problem at any time. Existing trees already near your home can be properly maintained to increase health and storm resistance. Proper pruning (not topping), watering, and fertilization are three simple things that can help your tree.
If you haven’t had the proper training, contact a professional who can help. Assessment before the storm will make you aware of potential hazards.
After the storm strikes, assessing the damage is your primary concern. If any part of a tree falls on your property, look for downed utility wires first. Do not go near any downed wire even if it appears not to be a power wire.
If no wires are present, be wary of leaning, hanging, or broken tree trunks and limbs. A partially broken limb can break completely off or hanging limbs can fall from slight winds or disturbance. Tree workers and loggers call these Widow Makers because of the known dangers of these problems.
Be aware of potential problems over the next few days after a storm or flooding. A tree with excessive lean that has flooded soil may suddenly tip. Other factors such as damaged roots, recent construction, and poor tree health all may cause trees to fall over during flooding or high winds.
Whether you have decided to plant a better tree, or work on existing trees, use only professionals. You need to ask the right questions before planting something near your home.
Will that species thrive in that location? What is the mature height and shape? When hiring someone to prune your trees there are several important factors to consider. Anybody hired to work on your property should have liability and workers compensation insurance.
The city of McMinnville maintains a list of insured trimmers which is available to the public. Are they properly trained to prune or remove your trees? A storm damaged tree needs removal of only the damaged parts using proper pruning cuts that encourage healing of the wound.
Contact McMinnville’s Department of Urban Forestry before doing any tree work for a free assessment at 474-TREE.