As the NSW Storm Season arrives (October through to March), now would be a good time to take stock of your trees and consider their potential for causing damage should the worst happen. The thing is, even healthy-looking, sturdy trees can become uprooted during a severe storm. It can often be evident to a trained professional which trees are suffering from disease or a weakened root structure. It’s these trees that will pose the greatest danger in extreme weather. However, all trees should be considered a risk, especially if they are too close to roads or buildings. So, what can you do to prepare for Storm Season?
Storm Season Preparation
Firstly, have your trees regularly inspected by an arborist. They will run a professional eye over them and assess the risk factors. After this, they recommend any maintenance such as careful pruning, feeding, and complete tree removal if necessary. Essentially, inspections will make your trees as safe as possible and reduce any potential liabilities. Secondly, between visits from your arborist, check your trees for any changes. You should look out for cracks, decay or hollowing, and dead hanging branches (the dreaded windowmakers). Lastly, watch out for the tree lopper crews! Tree lopping can leave the tree dangerously unbalanced and susceptible to disease and rotting. Their service may seem a little cheaper but come storm season, there may be costly consequences.
Storm Season Red Flags
Here are a few red flags to look out for before Storm Season that may require action:
- The tree is unstable, could be a weak root system.
- Still damaged from previous storms
- The tree is too close to houses and/or powerlines
- Signs of disease
- Structural defects such as cracking or hollowing
- Excessive leaning
- Loose, hanging branches
- Dense, heavy foliage
If you have concerns about your trees, call us today on 0400 822 848 and arrange a no-obligation inspection. We are experienced AQF5 Qualified Arborists.