Most mature, healthy trees can withstand storms without toppling over. However, your trees may not be as healthy as you think. Fortunately, a tree care expert can spot potential hazards after a thorough inspection and take appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of damage to your property. It may be difficult to anticipate storm damage if your trees look fine and you’re not trained to perform a thorough inspection.

Your Tree Looks Fine to You

Unless you’re a tree care expert, you won’t realize that your trees pose a hazard in an upcoming storm. Short of a tree that is leaning, the untrained eye can easily miss the signs. An experienced arborist looks for defects that indicate the tree is at risk. A dead tree can fall at any time, but dead branches, cracks, root defects, weak branch attachments, or poor crown architecture also increase the risk that the tree won’t hold up.

The Inspection Isn’t Easy

A tree care specialist is essential in diagnosing any potential risks or tree health issues. They will analyze any decay that may be present on the tree, and they may also perform a climbing inspection to test the structural integrity and condition of the higher branches. Fortunately, even if there are reasons for concern, there are steps you can take to mitigate risk during bad weather.

In some cases, it may be advisable to install cables or brace the tree to help it withstand high winds. Most trees can also benefit from pruning, which removes any limbs that pose a threat. Pruning can improve the tree’s stability by removing crossing branches and encouraging even growth on all sides. As a last resort, tree removal may be considered if the threat is too great or the tree is beyond help — as would be the case with a dead tree.

Make sure your trees are safe before the next storm comes along. 4 Season Tree Service offers a full range of tree services in Newburgh, NY. This company has taken care of the trees in the Hudson Valley area for over 20 years. Their tree care experts have the experience and equipment to deal with any problems. They also offer emergency tree services. Visit the website or call (845) 565-8600 for more information.