Why are winter tree care inspections in Issaquah, WA so important? While it may seem like the spring, summer and fall seasons are the best time of year to perform tree care inspections, the winter season is also a great time to examine the health and stability of a tree.
If a damaged or dying tree is left ignored, it can present a potential safety hazard or cause irreparable damage to your home and property. That’s why the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following reasons it’s important to have your trees inspected during the dormant months ahead.
Overall Structure
During the winter when a tree lacks it’s canopy, a certified arborist will have a clear, less obstructed view of a tree’s overall structure. This makes it easier to detect structural issues such as broken or hanging branches, wounds, cracks or weak branch attachments. Winter cables and braces are also visible, making it easier to spot any broken hardware.
Insect Damage
Insect damage is often present and easy to identify during a winter tree care inspection. While an infestation may not be active due to the cold weather, signs of unwanted insects remain visible. Some of these include borer holes, loosened bark, sawdust-like frass, and overwintering eggs. That’s why a tree care inspection during the winter months is important for detecting and preventing insect issues for the following growing season.
Ice & Snow Damage
Trees should also be inspected for ice and snow damage during the winter. Heavy snowfall, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures can lead to cracks in the trunk, branches and branch unions. This can be especially true for trees located in residential areas which tend to be more exposed and isolated to the winter elements compared to those in rural settings.
Winter Flooding
A winter flood can hurt the integrity of your trees while increasing the chances of an emergency tree care removal. Not only can winter floods erode the soil but expose the root systems of growing trees. If the root system of a tree becomes compromised, an emergency removal may be necessary to prevent damage to your home and property. That’s why it’s important to inspect trees in flood-prone areas to prevent damage caused by winter floods.
Westcoast Tree Care
Even when it’s cold outside with snow on the ground, the winter season is a good time to observe the health and structure of your trees. Weak branches, insect activity, flooding and snow/ice damage are issues that should be inspected on an annual basis. By removing a dead or dying tree or dealing with broken limbs and damage, you will not only improve the aesthetic look of your property but keep it safe from potential hazards.
If you are uncertain about the health and integrity of the trees on your Issaquah, WA property, contact the certified arborists at Westcoast Tree Care. We can help you assess the situation and provide you with preventative tree care services with a no-cost, no obligation quote.
Contact us at 1.800.767.8733 today.
