Trees can withstand a lot, but they’re not indestructible. It’s possible that the trees in your yard could be damaged after a bad storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall.

This type of storm damage needs to be addressed right away to protect your family and home.

Fortunately, Denver landscaping companies can help you handle the destruction caused by storms so you can keep your property and family safe from harm.

Types of Storm Damage in Trees

There are several types of damage that you may spot after a storm. Some are much more subtle than others, so it’s important to learn about each of these types so you know what to look for when inspecting your yard. Learn more about trees and storms.

The first type, which is known as windthrow damage, is the easiest to spot because the entire tree will be uprooted and blown over on its side.

It takes a great deal of force to uproot a tree, so this type of damage typically only occurs after extremely strong storms. Older or diseased trees are far more likely to sustain this type of damage because their root systems are already weak.  

Crown twist damage occurs when the crown of the tree, which consists of the branches and leaves, is not symmetrical. If the crown is uneven, the force of high-speed winds may cause the trunk of the tree to twist or crack under pressure.

Branch failure can also occur during a storm. This type of damage is characterized by branches that have either completely fallen off of the tree or have weakened to the point where they look as if they will fall at any second.

If your tree has suffered branch failure, some of the branches may need to be removed, but the base of the tree is hardly ever affected.

Stem failure is a more serious type of damage that occurs when the tree trunk is not strong enough to withstand high-speed winds.

A tree with stem failure will either split or completely snap during a windstorm and will most likely need to be removed as soon as possible after the storm. Stem failure is most common among trees that already have weakened trunks, for example, trees that are diseased or decaying.

What to Do After A Storm

Inspect your yard as soon as possible after a storm, but be mindful of where you are standing. You should avoid standing directly under any branches or trees that look as if they have been weakened as a result of the storm.

You also need to keep an eye out for power lines, which can be very dangerous after a storm. If you spot any signs of damage, contact a professional right away so he can perform an assessment.

The professional will examine the trees in your yard to determine which can be saved and which need to be removed. Any branches that look as if they have been weakened by the storm will be removed before they fall on someone or something.

Even if a tree has some damage, a professional may be able to prune it back to health instead of having to remove it. Smaller trees that have been slightly uprooted may be saved if the tree professional can straighten them and stake them into the ground. However, it is recommended that you remove the tree if more than 30% of the root system is above ground.

The professional may also be able to repair torn bark. If part of a tree’s bark has been torn away, pesky insects may use this as a hiding spot, which can damage the tree even further. A tree professional can use special tools to remove the rough edges of the bark that was ripped off during the storm and improve the appearance of the tree.

You may be tempted to try to repair some of the storm damage on your own, but don’t make this mistake. It can be incredibly dangerous to attempt to remove branches or inspect a tree without the help of a professional. Remember, these professionals have special equipment, safety gear, and of course, years of experience that give them an advantage.

How to Prevent Storm Damage in the Future

To avoid having to deal with these issues after a storm, be proactive and work with a landscaping company to prevent storm damage. First and foremost, have your trees pruned on a regular basis so the weak branches are removed before they cause damage. A tree professional can also prune your trees in a way that creates more resistance to the wind. Trees that have lopsided branches, meaning they are heavier on one side, are vulnerable in windstorms. By pruning the trees, you can create symmetry and ensure that the distribution of the branches’ weight is even so the tree can withstand windstorms.

To prevent damage, you should also get in the habit of frequently inspecting your trees for signs of disease or pest infestations. These trees are the most vulnerable in storms, so removing or treating them ahead of time could save you a lot of trouble during storm season.

Many people believe that topping a tree is an effective way to prevent storm damage, but this is not the case. Topping is the process of cutting off the top of the tree, which turns the lush and leafy top branches of a tree into bare stubs. Topped trees are at a higher risk of developing diseases, which makes the trunk less stable and more likely to blow over during a storm.

Have your trees been damaged by a recent storm? Do you want to storm proof your yard? If so, talk to the professionals. Arbor Garden is a locally owned and operated tree services company that specialize in tree pruning, removing, stump removal, planting, and pest management. Our team will be able to answer your questions and determine how we can help protect your trees. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a free estimate.