Preserving Your Landscape In Summer Storms
Preserving Your Landscape In Summer Storms
In this season of rumbling thunder, roaring wind and downpours of rain, summer storms can wreak havoc on your property and landscaping.
Don’t underestimate the impact that severe weather can have on your landscape, one of the biggest contributors to your home’s overall value. Summer wind can completely uproot trees and fracture branches. A damaged or unhealthy tree, sometimes unnoticeable to the layperson homeowner, could potentially cost thousands of dollars, if left unnoticed and unmanaged.
When stormy weather hits, tree canopies can act as a sail and catch disastrous wind. Tree branches and heavy limbs can barrel into a home if not properly maintained. Not only is there potential detriment to the landscape, but there can be significant damage to the home as well.
Homeowners can prevent damage to their landscape and home in a few simple ways:
- Look for signs of damage in a tree. A tree with dead branches is at greater risk in a storm. Deep splits and cracks throughout the bark and into the trunk are a sign of severe damage to a tree.
- Notice trees that are excessively leaning and keep an eye out for tree branches growing out of proportion with the rest of the tree crown. Odd growth patterns may be signs of general weakness.
- Prune (or have your trees pruned) regularly to thin the tree canopy, which allows wind to blow through the tree rather than against it. Pruning also removes potentially threatening dead or weak branches.
Regular and proper tree care maintenance is one of the best ways to keep trees happy and healthy. Yet, even trees that look “healthy” to the average homeowner may pose significant threat due to their hidden weaknesses.
In addition to regular “spotting” and taking inventory of your trees’ attributes, it is recommended to have your trees inspected by a local tree company, including a certified arborist. This will not only preserve and enhance your curb appeal, but it will also protect you from potential and dangerous hazards to your landscape and your home. Part of this consultation will also include an evaluation of soil conditions, wind exposure, defects and overall health of your trees.
Enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of summer but take heed before those summer storms roar.
(Adapted from an article written by Kevin Sheehan, District Manager of The Davey Tree Expert Company/Long Island Office)