It seems that storm season comes around faster than many homeowners on the Sunshine Coast are ready for. Suddenly, out of nowhere, storms will come with warnings about dangerous winds and torrential rains that may make that poorly looked-after tree become a real threat. Morgan Treeman Arborist Solutions has a lot of experience assisting Sunshine Coast residents to take care of their trees before something goes wrong and not after.
What is important to note here is that in most cases the damage done by storms is not just an unfortunate accident. The fact is that such a tree usually had certain problems much before the storms came. In other words, knowing the signs and taking care of the problem before storm season with the help of our Sunshine Coast tree services can save your life or even property.
Here are some of the signs to look for before storm season:
1. Dead or Dying Branches in the Canopy
The canopy of a healthy tree will feature lots of vibrant, flexible foliage. In the case of bare or brittle branches that look dead on an otherwise vibrant, alive tree, it’s time for the alarm bells to start ringing. Dead wood does not flex in the wind as live wood does – it cracks and falls off suddenly.
Deadwood is usually one of the easiest tree health issues to notice, but also one of the most ignored due to the misconception that “the tree still looks pretty good overall.” Having a professional deadwood removal service booked before the start of storm season takes care of this problem once and for all.
2. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Cracks in the trunk are among the most severe symptoms observed by arborists, since they suggest structural failure that cannot be detected at first glance. Vertical cracks, splits, or openings where the bark has separated from the wood may indicate a problem in the tree’s internal structure.
Such cracks usually worsen due to the impact of wind, and a tree that is already cracked may fail suddenly and completely. It would be sensible to consult a professional arborist about such cracking if you observe it to find out how severe the damage is.
3. Leaning Trees That Didn’t Always Lean
A tree with a natural lean may not pose any issues – several trees lean and develop root systems that can support them. However, a new lean, on the other hand, may raise concerns. A recent and/or increasing lean on a tree usually signals problems with its roots and soil.
This sign is especially concerning due to the fact that the tree can have an intact structure above the ground and a damaged root system underneath. Reliable Sunshine Coast tree removal companies will conduct tests to check for both above-ground and underground tree issues.
4. Fungus, Mushrooms, or Fungal Growth at the Base
The presence of mushrooms or shelf fungi (otherwise referred to as conks) on the bottom of the tree or trunk means that the tree is internally decaying. The role of fungi is to decompose wood; hence, their presence is an indication that there is an internal decaying process taking place within the tree and that does not mean anything outside.
It becomes even more hazardous during the time of the storm because it would be difficult to tell whether the tree is healthy or decaying from the inside because one cannot see that through observation. An arborist will help determine how severe the decaying process is and the necessary steps to be taken concerning the tree.
5. Hollow Sections or Cavities in the Trunk
As far as fungal decay is concerned, the presence of cavities in the trunk is a very definite indication that the mechanical integrity of the tree has been compromised. All hollow trees are not necessarily hazardous, as some have been standing for decades; however, it is very important to take into account both the size and location of the cavity when considering resistance to wind.
Clearly, a tree having a large cavity in its base or limb unions will be much more vulnerable during storms than a tree showing minor signs of decay higher up in the tree. This is a decision best left to the professional eye.
6. Overextended or Heavy Limbs Over Your Roof
Even the best-looking tree could potentially be dangerous if it has long branches hanging above your house roof, driveway or anywhere else your car is parked. The reason for that is simple – the strong winds during a storm exert a huge force on the branches and the farther they are from the tree trunk, the greater the chances they will break.
One of the most typical and also one of the most easily avoidable reasons for storm damage we encounter often enough on the Sunshine Coast. There are numerous ways you could lessen the hazards without hurting the tree itself.
7. Trees Growing Too Close to Power Lines
Trees near power lines are not only hazardous during storms; rather, they pose a threat all year round. Nevertheless, there is an increased level of risk when it comes to storm season, as branches in proximity to the power lines have the potential to fall down and create a fire or power outage situation.
If you have seen some branches touching the power lines or some growth that is clearly encroaching on the easement, then you need to handle it through the proper channel – getting your trees cut with our Sunshine Coast Tree Services professionals who know how to work in proximity to electrical lines.
8. Previous Storm Damage That Hasn’t Been Addressed
If there have been any damages sustained from last year’s storms, such as broken branches, tears to the bark, or a slight increase in the tree’s lean, without having had those issues addressed, they will not magically heal themselves. The wounds created by those problems can open the door to infestations and infections, and structural damage from past storms may increase vulnerability to future ones.
It might be worthwhile to take a walk around the property checking for signs of damage from past storms that have never been addressed. Dealing with them before the upcoming storm season starts up is much cheaper than handling a fallen tree at the end of it.
9. Dense, Overgrown Canopies That Catch the Wind
While a thick canopy might appear strong and healthy, a thick canopy can be detrimental to the tree in the case of heavy winds. It acts like a sail, whereby the greater the canopy surface area, the greater the force exerted by the wind on the whole tree, starting from the canopy down to the root system.
Selective thinning and canopy reduction, when done properly, ensure that the wind passes through the tree rather than pushes against it. This is a method that seasoned arborists apply in order to prepare the tree for the storm seasons; hence, it is not just a process of “cutting back a tree.”
10. You Simply Haven’t Had an Inspection in Years
In some cases, there is no indication at all that your trees need care, other than the fact that no professional has inspected them in a long time. Trees are constantly changing through the year, as their root structure changes, decay sets in, weather events affect them, and their growth patterns alter. A tree that may have been fine last year may not be the same this year.
Inspections done by professionals regularly, preferably annually, but most certainly before the season of storms, are one of the easiest ways to spot a problem when it is still relatively small. This costs far less than emergency storm damage cleanup and any possible insurance claims or injuries incurred from trees.
Why Timing Matters?
The number one mistake that we notice property owners committing is putting off calling the arborist until the time when storm warnings have been issued. This will result in increased demand, fewer available resources, and, in most cases, it may already be too late to do something productive in terms of managing the risks.
Some of the things you will achieve through preparation include:
- The arborists will have enough time to evaluate the trees appropriately
- Pruning and thinning of the trees will be done effectively without posing harm to the tree
- You will get enough time to plan the required removals
- You will not have to resort to quick decision-making based on weather conditions
How Morgan Treeman Arborist Solutions Can Help
When it comes to storm preparation, one of the things we do at Morgan Treeman Arborist Solutions that we take very seriously indeed. With local experience and a solid understanding of all the aspects related to conditions on the Sunshine Coast, including soil types and weather patterns, along with our professional background and skills, we will be able to provide you with a clear assessment of the state of your trees.
From a basic inspection to dead wooding, canopy thinning, crown reduction and, finally, tree removal in case the tree has become a hazard, we are going to provide you with the help in order to protect your property and its inhabitants while saving trees which are still alive. We do not suggest tree removal unless there is an absolutely compelling reason to do that, and we will tell you what that reason is.
If you have noticed one or two signs described above in the condition of your trees, it’s better to act now rather than wait for the next bad weather forecast. We are going to provide you with a comprehensive assessment and the required works.
Get in Touch with Us Before Storm Season Arrives
Do not hesitate until the weather changes. Contact us now at Morgan Treeman Arborist Solutions and get a pre-storm season inspection of your trees done by our competent and licensed team.
We are here to assist you in discovering any threats early on, doing the right thing at the right time, and offering you true peace of mind for the upcoming storm season. Sunshine Coast tree services that you can trust are more than just gardening. Contact our team now and book your inspection.
