Protecting Your Property from Falling Trees during a Windstorm

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

Windstorms are a common occurrence during the fall and winter months. These powerful storms bring strong winds that can cause trees to fall, posing a significant risk to your property. Understanding the potential dangers and taking proactive measures to protect your property from falling trees is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore some steps you can take to safeguard your property during windstorms.

Assess Tree Health

The first step in protecting your property from falling trees is to assess the health of the trees on your property. Look for signs of tree decay, such as hollowed-out trunks or large cavities, dead branches, or excessive leaning. These signs indicate potential weakness and make the tree more susceptible to falling during a windstorm. If you notice any of these warning signs, it is important to consult with a professional arborist to determine if the tree needs to be removed or if it can be pruned to reduce the risk of falling.

Pruning your trees regularly is an essential step in minimizing the risk of falling branches during a windstorm. Proper pruning techniques involve removing dead or weak branches, thinning out dense canopies, and trimming branches away from buildings, power lines, and other structures. It is recommended to hire a certified arborist for this task, as they have the expertise to prune trees safely and effectively.

Remove Hazardous Trees

If you have trees on your property that are extensively decayed, have large cavities, or are leaning dangerously, it may be necessary to remove them entirely. Hazardous trees pose a significant risk during windstorms and can cause significant damage to your property if they fall. Consult with a professional arborist to assess the condition of hazardous trees and determine the best course of action.

For trees that are valuable to your property or heritage trees that may have structural issues, installing tree supports and bracing systems can provide additional stability and reduce the risk of falling during windstorms. A professional arborist can assess the tree's condition and recommend appropriate tree support systems to protect your property.

Secure Outdoor Items

During windstorms, even small objects can become dangerous projectiles. Secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, garden tools, and children's toys to prevent them from being carried by the wind and causing damage to your property or neighboring structures. Store lightweight items in a safe location or tie them down securely.

If you have trees located near your home or other structures, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance between them. The general guideline is to have a buffer zone of at least the height of the tree away from buildings. This allows enough space for the tree to fall without causing significant damage to your property.

Windstorms can be powerful and pose a significant risk to your property from falling trees. By assessing tree health, properly pruning trees, removing hazardous trees, installing tree supports, securing outdoor items, and maintaining a safe distance, you can minimize the potential damage caused by falling trees during windstorms. Taking proactive measures will give you peace of mind and protect your property during windstorms.