Over the past few weeks, trees and power lines in Vancouver, WA have taken a beating due to recent winter storms. Whether it’s due to rain, wind, snow or ice, trees damaged by winter storms require immediate attention. That’s why it’s important to act quickly. However, you should never attempt to remove or repair a damaged tree without the help of a certified arborist.
Inspect Your Property
Hazardous Trees
Loose, hanging branches or split trunks are obvious safety hazards that should be dealt with immediately to avoid any harmful damage. However, branches that are broken but firmly attached to a tree can be pruned later once more dangerous branches have been removed. Split trunks, on the other hand, are very difficult to repair and usually require a certified arborist for a hazardous tree care removal.
Power Lines
Branches that overhang or come in contact with power lines are another major safety concern. Special training is required to selectively prune branches over power lines. Homeowners should never attempt to do this themselves. Serious injury or even death can occur. That’s why it’s extremely important to contact a certified arborist along with your local power company to assess the situation.
Leaning Trees
Strong winds combined with heavy snow or ice can cause a tree to lean, damaging it’s root system. Trees that lean due to damaged roots do not survive. If a tree shifts in any direction, it often means its root system has been compromised. Even if a leaning tree does survive it could potentially fall in the future. While young trees may survive if pulled back into a vertical position, mature trees rarely survive any attempts to pull them back into place.
Broken Branches
Depending on its size, a broken tree limb can affect whether or not a tree will recover from damage. If the majority of a tree’s branches are missing, the harder it will be for it to survive. That’s when tree removal should be considered. However, if the damage is relatively slight, a certified arborist may be able to prune it back to a healthy, safe, and attractive condition.
Tree Removal
If hazardous tree removal is necessary, you will want to work with a certified arborist who can minimize any damage to your surrounding property. While accidents can happen at any time, hiring an amateur tree removal service is more likely to result in unwanted, costly repairs. That’s why it’s important to hire a certified arborist who has the training and experience needed to remove a tree safely.
Contact A Certified Arborist
While storms can devastate trees that have become a part of your home, it’s best to act quickly to address any safety concerns while avoiding any further injury to your home and property. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Only a certified arborist will be able to determine whether or not a tree can be saved along with the proper measures to take.
Contact Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733. Our certified arborist will evaluate your trees and assess any winter storm damage with a no-cost, no-obligation quote.
