Preventing Wind Damaged Trees – March 2018 – Part 4

We have a couple times of year where the wind in Richland gets a little out of control. When and if the time comes where you need to take proactive action to prevent damage to your property, we would love to help. We look forward to helping you prevent any damage possible.

Preventing Storm Damage Continued
There isn’t a way, except for complete enclosure, to protect trees from all storm damage. Trees are not adapted to worst-case scenario storms, only to our average wind climate. Listed are several things to minimize the main types of storm damage:

Eliminate codominant branches. Prune forked branches and branches that arise opposite each other on the stem, ideally while the tree is young. Most tree species should be upright with one main stem. Prune away branches that compete in height with the main stem. Eliminate branches with tight or narrow branch crotches. In trees with opposite branching patterns, such as maple, proper branch training is essential for a long-lived, storm resistant tree. Pruning cuts should be made on the outside of the branch bark ridge and branch collar.

Keep trees as healthy as possible with timely and adequate watering and mulching. Healthy trees adjust more quickly to changes in the environment, are more wind firm, and react more effectively to damage.

Do not over-fertilize the tree with nitrogen or over-water the soil. This can increase the crown surface area and/or decrease the rooting area. This type of biological change makes the tree more susceptible to storm damage.

Moving Forward
We look forward to helping you with all of your tree removal, tree trimming needs, and preventative maintenance needs. When and if you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We strive to be your only and best option for tree pruners in Richland.

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