What to Do if a Storm Damages My Tree
The UK can be subject to some pretty nasty and unpredictable weather, from gale force winds to torrential rain. If you have trees growing on your property, they can often bear the brunt of these conditions. A storm-damaged tree can be incredibly stressful, not to mention dangerous, so it’s important to resolve the situation quickly before any major damage can occur.
But what should you do if a storm damages your tree? Don’t stress, the team here at Scotts Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance is here to help.
Assess the damage
Firstly, assess the extent of the issue from a safe distance. Is the damage to your tree superficial or does it appear more serious? Look for any signs of structural instability, such as broken branches, leaning trunks or visible cracks. You should also inspect the ground for any exposed or damaged roots, as this can indicate whether the tree is at immediate risk of falling.
Take the necessary precautions
In this situation, your first priority should be ensuring the safety of yourself and others nearby. If possible, you should evacuate and seal off the area until you know how stable the tree is; this will minimise the risk of injury, not only from the tree itself falling, but from any broken branches or exposed roots creating a trip hazard. Pay close attention to any nearby structures or power lines that could be affected by the tree, and notify the relevant authorities immediately if you deem there to be a risk.
Call in a professional
Perhaps the most important step you should take is to contact a qualified arborist, like the experts here at Scotts Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance. If you’re not sure whether the tree storm damage warrants professional intervention, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call in a professional for peace of mind. Never attempt DIY tree repair if you don’t have the skill, knowledge or specialist equipment, as any mistake can exacerbate the damage and increase the risk of injury.
Our tree surgeons will assess the condition of the tree and make a decision on whether or not it can be saved. If the damage is minor, we can prune away any broken branches in a way that supports future growth. If the damage is severe, then a temporary brace may need to be applied to stabilise the tree and provide some much-needed physical support.
However, if the structure is beyond repair or the trunk has split, it’s best to know when to cut your losses and remove the tree altogether. A certified arborist can carry out a swift, efficient storm-damaged tree removal that minimises risk and leaves your landscape in the best possible condition.
How to prevent tree damage in a storm
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure; it’s much less stressful and more cost-effective to enlist an expert, like Scotts Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance, to carry out periodic tree maintenance throughout the year. By regularly pruning weaker branches, this reduces the risk of them breaking off during a storm. We can also carry out crown thinning to allow wind to pass through the tree canopy more easily; during a storm, this reduces the risk of the tree being uprooted.
Has a storm left your tree looking unstable or damaged? Or do you want to ensure your trees are prepared for any bad weather? Here at Scotts Tree Surgery & Garden Maintenance, we provide a variety of tree care services to customers across Dorking, Guildford, Horsham and beyond – contact us to find out more or arrange an appointment.