Summer Storms: Are Your Trees Safe?

Pictured above is damage done by a pine tree in the Cedar Creek Neighborhood of Athens, Ga during a summer storm.

When should you worry about the trees on your property? Here's a checklist to help you consider the danger any given tree may pose:

• Target Area: A tree's target area is the space around the tree where its limbs could fall and cause damage, or where the tree itself could fall. Is the tree located near a high-traffic area, such as  your backyard, a playground, or a sidewalk? 
• Structural Integrity:  Structural integrity refers to how secure a tree is. While sometimes it's very clear when a tree is not secure, unfortunately,   even a perfectly healthy tree can have structural defects  that can cause it to fail.  Things like holes, cankers, and visible rot can all indicate poor structural integrity in an otherwise healthy tree. In summer, the added weight of foliage can put additional stress on any existing structural defects, which increases the chances of failure. 
• Signs of Decay:  As mentioned, sometimes, it's pretty clear that a tree is not doing well. But there are also subtle signs of decay that can indicate a tree at risk for failure.  Check out our article on the Signs of Decay to learn more about what to look for.

If you think a tree on your property may be at risk for failure, it's time to contact an ISA Certified Arborist.

Contact us today to schedule a free quote!

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Author

Scott Rushing is a father, small business owner, and ISA-Certified Arborist. If you’ve done any work with us, then you’ve definitely met him! He holds a degree in Agricultural Education from UGA, and has over 10 years of experience in the tree service industry. When he’s not climbing trees, he is Daddy to three rambunctious redheads, and likes to spend his time going on adventures with his family.