Many homeowners understand that the trees on their property have tremendous value. They are an important asset to your home, and often not in the forefront of your mind throughout the year. You may recognize the beauty or find sentimental value on a regular basis, but for most, you don’t think much about your trees until a problem occurs.

Storms and high winds are inevitable. We don’t always know when to expect severe weather, but it’s important to be prepared. Too often we see damage to homes and property that could have been prevented with the proper maintenance, or an evaluation beforehand to see if the tree was at risk for failure. It is sometimes hard to see the signs of rotting/dying trees and other potential hazards.

Preventative tree care will not only support the health, appearance, and structure of your trees, but will also give you peace of mind during storm season. A yearly inspection from a certified arborist is encouraged to help prevent disastrous situations, protect and maintain your assets, and avoid expensive repairs and clean up down the road.

Here are some recommended preventative measures that can be taken with the help of a certified arborist:

• Removal of dead, dying and diseased branches
• Pruning to improve or maintain proper structure
• Cabling (using cables to stabilize the structure of co-dominate stems and heavy limbs in the tree)
• Windsail reduction, clearing the canopy to allow high winds to move through easier
• Assessment on any trees that are near utility lines

Here are some signs that may indicate your tree is diseased or dying:

• Cracks, cankers, or missing/peeling bark on trunk
• Losing leaves too early, new leaves brown and brittle, or no leaves growing at all
• One sided or dangerously leaning trees
• Fungus growing near or on tree
• Insect infestation
• Scratch the trunk or twig, if it is brown and brittle it may be dying (should be green & moist)

If you see any of these signs or are interested in getting a general health assessment, give us a call! The inspection is free, along with a recommended plan of action and estimate from a certified arborist. We care about the health and beauty of your trees, and your safety above all.