Looking out your window after a winter storm and seeing that your trees have been damaged is frightening. However, it’s important that you act quickly to prevent even more damage. Here are some things to do before and after the storm.
Take Action Before the Storm
One way to reduce or even prevent severe damage before a winter storm is to prune your trees. Pruning removes diseased, dead or weak branches that may be vulnerable during a storm. It also helps your tree stay strong enough to bear up under a storm.
It’s best to have a professional arborist do the pruning. A tree service can also thin out crowded canopies and cable branches that are in danger of breaking under a load of snow and ice. A dense canopy holds on to snow that would have fallen to the ground, and even a thin coating of ice can add a lot of weight to a large tree.
Assess the Situation
After a storm, you’ll need to go outside and take a look at your trees. Pay special attention to those that pose a risk to people, pets or property. Make sure to keep enough distance to stay safe in case a damaged branch or tree falls. Don’t even try to move your car. If a tree falls on your car, it’s better that you’re not in it.
Take note of branches that are hanging, broken or bending from snow and ice. Trees that are severely leaning and have damaged bark are also problematic. After you’ve assessed the situation, call in an arborist for help if you believe the damage is really concerning.
Don’t try to remove snow and ice from the high branches of large trees yourself. The exception is brushing fresh snow from a shrub or small tree. Some arborists recommend using a broom and dislodging the snow by bumping it beneath the branch. Don’t attempt to remove ice. Ice clings to branches, and trying to remove it can do even more damage.
Call Your Utility Company First
If a snow or ice-laden tree has damaged electrical wires, you’ll need to call your utility company before you call an arborist. A tree service can’t start work until the power is off.
If Your Trees Suffer Winter Storm Damage, Call Us
Finding your trees damaged by a winter storm is heartbreaking. It’s an emergency, and you shouldn’t have to wait till regular office hours to call for help. If you need emergency tree service for your property in Lyons, GA, call our professional arborists at Hangin Limbs Tree Removal Services right away.