Assessing Storm Damaged Trees
While the Sacramento region is always grateful for much-needed rainfall, a heavy storm such as the one that blew through our region on January 26th can bring more than we bargained for, such as downed trees, broken branches and limbs, and widespread power outages.
As is apparent after the number of trees that fell throughout our region during the recent storm, it is very important to keep the trees on your property healthy. This means regular pruning and making sure the trees are structurally sound. Keeping your trees in good condition will minimize the risk of accidents during a storm. Part of good tree maintenance includes inspecting your trees after a storm.
Sacramento Trees Are Weaker Now
All of the trees in our area just experienced a traumatic event. They may not have fallen during this round of windy weather, but more storms are in the forecast, and now our trees may be weaker. As such, it is time to prioritize checking the trees on our properties. Better yet, call a certified arborist and schedule an inspection. Regularly inspected and maintained trees are far less likely to break apart during windstorms. This is because weak branches can be identified and removed before the storm hits.
Signs of Tree Damage
Below are six signs that your tree may need urgent maintenance.
- Cracks. The heavy winds that blew through the Sacramento area on Tuesday night caused tree branches to bend, twist, and crack. Any deep splits in the bark that extend into the tree’s wood indicate a serious weakness.
- Deadwood. Dead limbs can fall at any time. They are identifiable when they are leafless, while surrounding branches still have their leaves. Another indicator of deadwood is areas of bark that have fallen away, leaving only the smooth wood beneath.
- Weak unions. When two or more limbs or branches that are roughly the same size come together at a v-shaped angle, there may be bark embedded at the point of union. This is a sign of a weak attachment and indicates that one of the branches could break off.
- Decay. Holes where wood is missing or areas of softness in the wood are both signs of decay. Where the decay occurs is important to note. If it is located at the roots or base of the trunk, the entire tree could be in danger of falling. Be especially careful if decay is noted in those areas. If your tree has signs of structural decay, it is a good idea to have it cut down.
- Soil lifting near the roots. High winds such as those that blew through Sacramento last night can cause trees to rock back and forth. This can result in roots lifting or even breaking off. If your tree is leaning, or the soil at the base of the tree is lifted on one side, call a tree professional.
Call a Tree Professional
The signs and indicators of tree damage are not always visible or obvious. Storms with heavy winds can cause significant and permanent damage to your trees, making them more vulnerable to failure in the next storm.
Professional analysis of your trees may be necessary to protect you and your neighbors from property damage or injuries in the next round of winter storms. It is the duty of the property owner to address any dangerous conditions on his or her land.
A certified arborist can evaluate the particular tree species on your property, along with wind exposure, soil conditions, defects, and the overall health of the tree to assess whether it is a hazard.
Watch the YouTube video uploaded by Stihl discussing tree inspections following stormy weather events.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello. Thanks for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Falling trees not only can cause significant property damage, but they can also result in serious injuries and even deaths. We hope that no one suffered injuries after the recent heavy storms, but we want to let you know that if you encounter such an unfortunate situation, we are here to offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Our injury lawyers have handled a number of cases resulting from falling trees. Call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or fill out our online form.
Photo Attribution: MMB
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