Corvallis Tree Care

With school getting out and summer just beginning, Corvallis residents are getting ready for trips to the coast and other vacations. However, in Oregon, we get plenty of scattered showers and summer storms. Without preventative maintenance, summer storms can have a detrimental effect on your home’s trees and foliage. That’s why it’s important to monitor and prepare for the summer season to maintain the safety and curb appeal of your home.

Below, Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following information when it comes to inspecting and preparing your trees for summer storms.

Inspecting Your Trees

1. First, and foremost, it’s important to check your trees for any large, dead or broken branches. If you spot any they need to be dealt with as soon as possible by a certified arborist. Dead branches should be pruned off by a professional and dead trees should be removed entirely.

2. Secondly, take a look at the overall condition of your trees. Any tree that is sickly with discolored or wilted leaves or showing any signs of rot or decay in the trunk may need to be removed by a certified arborist. Trees with large cavities in the trunk or with extensive decay should also be removed ASAP because rot weakens a tree, reducing its ability to withstand strong winds.

3. Third, it’s important to pay attention to the soil around a tree. After extreme rain, the soil around a tree can soften, causing it to fall over if its weight isn’t properly proportioned. Furthermore, trees that develop a sudden lean also need the immediate attention of a certified arborist. While a leaning tree may not need to be removed, selective pruning can help relieve the weight on the heavier side of a tree, balancing out the weight distribution of its canopy.

4. Last but not least, it’s important to look for branches that hang over your home. While these branches may not touch your roof under normal conditions, the high winds of summer storms can cause large branches to bend and flail around considerably. Furthermore, trees located near your home can cause extensive damage and should be pruned and maintained annually by a certified arborist.

Summer Storm Prevention

Preventative Pruning

Regular tree care can protect the strength and integrity of a tree during a summer storm. Preventative techniques like windsail reduction to thin the canopy of a tree help to reduce wind resistance that can cause branches to break or a tree to fall over. In addition, pruning helps to remove dead branches that can easily fall, causing further damage to a tree and property below. That’s why a careful evaluation by a certified arborist is important to determine which branches need to be removed.

Mulching

Due to the high winds of summer storms, the root systems of your trees can become compromised. Heavy winds can weaken root systems even if they are established and healthy. To help provide the trees on your property with an extra layer of protection, you can surround their bases with mulch. Mulch helps to keep your trees rooted firmly in the ground, providing them with additional protection from the wind.

Bracing

If you have young, newly planted trees, they may benefit from bracing stakes. Stakes help secure young trees to the ground while their root systems develop or if they have been damaged. For well-established trees with structural issues, cables and braces can be used to support the weight of their vulnerable trunk and branches. However, cables and braces should only be used if there is a good chance a tree will recover and adequately support itself during stormy weather. Keep in mind that unstable trees can pose a serious safety risk to your home and family and may need to be removed by a certified arborist.

Westcoast Tree Care

As a Corvallis homeowner, it’s important to do your part to prevent summer storm damage and you’ll be glad you did. Consult with the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care to get a professional evaluation of your trees to ensure your property is safe before the first of any major summer storms hit your area. Contact us by filling out our online form or call 1.800.767.8733 today for a no-cost, no-obligation quote.