Many of the environmental factors that go along with blizzards can cause damage to trees. Rapid temperature changes can cause stress and injury to trees. When there are extended periods of mild winter weather, this can cause plants to be more vulnerable to sudden changes in weather. Some trees and shrubs can suffer damage if the temperature falls too much. Some species, like yews, arborvitae, and junipers are more prone to ice and snow damage.

In the winter, trees and shrubs may suffer from frost cracks, or cracks that run from the top to the bottom of the trunk. This often occurs on the south and southwest side of trees. When a frost crack appears, it is likely that it will appear every year after that. Cold, dry winds can also dry out trees. The sun reflecting off snow can scald and blister trunks and branches. Deer and other animals may also use trees in the winter for shelter or food.

Preparing your trees for blizzards can be very helpful in preventing severe damage and keeping your property safe in general. Checking your trees for weak limbs and pruning properly are crucial steps. Even if a tree has been damaged, it is healthy if it still has most of its major limbs and half or more of its crown. If this is the case, its chances for recovery are good. You should also remove the broken branches if they are damaged in a blizzard. It is not recommended to knock snow and ice off branches because they can break. If you must do this though, gently push up on the branches from below to brush it off without adding extra stress. You can also wrap smaller trees and shrubs in burlap. This keeps them safe from strong winds and lots of snow. This is a good method for newly planted trees, trees with underdeveloped root systems, and trees that may be more susceptible to winter conditions. You can also build a frame over plants and shrubs that are near the house, so when snow falls off the roof, the impact is diminished.

Preventative care can help your trees survive blizzards and harsh winters with as little damage as possible. Working with a Gates Mills tree care company like Vancuren Tree Service can also ensure that your trees are well-taken care of before a blizzard and after, if any damage occurs.

Storms can bring lots of problems for your trees. High winds, ice, or snow can result in damage, loss, risky situations, and liabilities to your trees and property. The level of risk and likelihood of survival are the two main considerations when it comes to responding to this damage. This means that if a tree is likely to endanger people or the property, it should be removed without question. However, if the risk from the damage is “acceptable”, and the damage to the tree is not life threatening, it may be possible to save the tree and reduce the risk of danger.

When storms occur, trees get damaged in a few ways.

Window throw is when the whole tree is pushed over by high winds. This occurs when the force of the wind is too great for the root system to handle. The root system may not be able to handle this because of previous damage caused by construction or inadequate maintenance. This leads to poor anchorage. Before a storm occurs, the roots should be inspected for fungus, exposed roots, or lifting. If a larger or mature tree has been uprooted, it is usually not salvageable.

Crown twist occurs when high winds load on a lopsided crown, causing major branches and the stem to twist and suffer from damage. This results in splitting and cracking of branches. If this occurs near old wounds or other defects, it can lead to the tree failing. In order to mitigate damage from crown twist, inspect the tree closely. Subtle cracks and defects can be difficult to spot. This damage is usually easy to deal with if it occurs in the branches, but much harder if the trunk is affected.

Stem failure is common if the tree trunk has damage already. It may fail under excessive winds, rainfall, snow, or ice. This usually cannot be repaired. When inspecting the tree, you should look for decayed areas, cavities, nesting holes, and fungus.

Root failure can also occur. When inspecting, look for heaving soil and roots close to the trunk. Also look for pulled or broken roots and mushrooms. The risk of damage may be able to be reduced depending on the tree’s age, size, and how much of the root system is exposed. When damage occurs, young trees with healthy roots can usually be fixed with supplemental support. However, if more than 30% of the root system is exposed, it may be better to remove the tree.

Branch failure can be easily fixed but can also be risky. The best thing to do is to prune before storms to prevent weak branches from damaging the tree and other structures.

While it is impossible to “protect” a tree from a storm, you can minimize the risk of damage. One of the best things to do is to allow a tree to grow naturally so it can adjust to its environmental conditions. Pruning is a very important aspect of preventative care as well. Inspect the trees regularly for broken, diseased, or dead branches.

To properly take care of your trees before or after a storm, the best option is always working with a certified arborist. By working with tree service companies in Hunting Valley, you can ensure that your trees are receiving excellent preventative care and great restorative care if damage does occur from a storm.

The Fall

One of the most common tree trimming accidents is falling off of a roof or ladder. It only takes one slip to fall and you could be left paralyzed or worse. When you’re up on the ladder, it can be hard to tell how far out you are leaning to the left or right. You should also always have someone watching you on the ground in case of an emergency.

Many more risks come with standing on the roof while trimming a tree. The roof’s steep incline could be tricky to navigate, bad choice in shoes, or stepping on loose roofing materials are just a few dangerous traits. Taking precaution or having a person with you is not enough. Tree trimming and tree removal are complicated projects that should be left to the professionals who have the correct equipment, extensive experience, and follow safety rules.

Hit by Falling Tree Branches or Tree Debris

Tree trimming and tree removal require a high level of skill and knowledge in multiple tools while wearing a full wardrobe of safety gear from head-to-toe. All of this equipment becomes expensive and cutting corners is not an option. A professional team already owns all of the necessary equipment to do the job right and with the highest precautions.

Nature’s Bite or Sting

Trees are home to various animals and insects, so by trimming or cutting down a tree you are disturbing the wildlife living there. It is highly possibility to be attacked by small animals such as: squirrels, skunks, and raccoons or by insects like wasps or bees.

Electrocution

Always assume that a power line is live and any contact by bumping equipment or your body into it can be fatal. Above ground power lines sometimes hang close to the roof or to trees and should not be ignored. It is best to hire a professional to fix this issue instead of trying to handle it yourself.

Accidents happen, and we certainly don’t want them to happen to you. Avoid risking your own life while fixing up the trees on your Cleveland Heights property. Stay safe and call our professionals at VanCuren today. You can count on us to attend to tree trimming, tree removal, or emergency servicing issues in the safest way possible.

Be prepared by getting your trees inspected early on. If you notice any of the following issues, consider consulting a Cleveland Heights tree removal company. An arborist will check to confirm if any of the trees on your property are weak, old, or are already dead and ready for removal. However, even the strongest trees are susceptible to breakage and damage under certain heavy weather conditions.

Windstorms and rainstorms are the most common causes of tree damage. A downpour or flooding on your property can carry away the sediment to expose the tree’s root system. If this occurs and a tree’s anchoring root system lacks sediment to grip onto, the tree could topple. Alternatively, heavy ice and snowfall tend to add a lot of extra weight to tree branches and may split or break boughs. After a storm passes, check the trees around your property for damage or indications of tree abnormalities such as: exposed roots, splintering, splitting, several broken or fallen branches, or a snapped tree.

It is not uncommon to see large branches spread across the yard or part of a tree toppled or leaning on electrical wires after a heavy storm. While the newly separated pieces that caused visible damage are the priority, the rest of the tree may still need to be removed. Although it is okay for trees to lose a few branches, there are certain situations where missing more than a few can lead to rapid decline.

If you notice any of these issues after a storm has calmed, consider a consultation from a tree removal company. Our team at VanCuren Tree Care is fully trained to evaluate and make a recommendation on removal of any dangerous trees around your Cleveland Heights home.

When temperatures drop, water inside of the tree becomes starch, which then acts as a natural insulator to help the tree survive freezing temperatures. The production of starch is the energy source that also aids in proper healing of a trimmed tree and, once spring arrives, brings the tree back out of the dormant state.

The overall health of a tree also depends on proper trimming techniques. Over-trimming, topping, or DIY hacks can lead to short term damage and possibly lead to long term problems. Improper trimming methods may lead to a weakening in the tree’s structure or balance. Long term, it could make the tree more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

Following improper trimming methods may also lead to:

• Reduced ability to fruit
• Instability and imbalance
• Breakage
• Cuts or gashes leaving entry points for diseases or insects
• Unstable growth from stunting natural healing processes
• Expedited decay

Every tree is unique and, because of this, it is important to consult a certified arborist’s expertise. An arborist can assess the specialized needs of an individual tree based upon extensive knowledge of tree biology and environment. Inaccurate timing and tree trimming techniques can cause more damage than expected. A trained, certified, and insured arborist knows the best tree trimming practices to prepare for the winter months ahead.

Our experts at VanCuren Tree Care are ready to help determine the best course of action for any tree trimming needs in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Contact us and set up a visit today!