The chill in the air means going back to school and getting your sweaters out of storage. But did you know that it’s also the perfect time to trim your trees? From fall thunderstorms to winter snow and ice, falling temperatures bring the potential for storm damage. If you want to protect your home from limbs and branches, here’s how you can reduce the risks with fall tree trimming.
Have Dead Branches and Trees Removed
A branch, limb, or tree that’s already dead is more likely to come down and cause damage during high winds or heavy snow. Prevent damage to your home and property by having these hazards removed in the fall. A dead limb can also damage healthy parts of the tree, especially when it’s stressed by bad weather. Regular trimming is an important part of keeping your trees healthy and strong.
Treat or Remove Diseased Trees
Do you have diseased trees on your property? Don’t wait for them to die before having them removed. An arborist can spot sick trees that need removal. They can also trim diseased limbs and branches to stop the spread. Fall is the best time to address diseased trees. Symptoms like weak branches, splits, and cracks stand out more without leaves hiding the tree’s structure.
Reduce Wind Resistance by Thinning the Canopy
A thick tree canopy catches the wind instead of letting it pass through, which makes the tree more likely to break. Reduce wind resistance and the risk of breakage by having the tree’s canopy thinned. A thinner canopy collects less snow in winter. This stops heavy snow from building up, which can break branches or even topple the whole tree.
Fix Structural Problems
Fall tree trimming helps spot structural problems, like heavy limbs and co-dominant stems. Catching these issues early can prevent bigger problems later on. These structural problems eventually weaken the tree, leading to a higher risk of storm damage and early tree death.
Keep Branches Away From Power Lines
No one wants to deal with a power outage after a storm. One way to reduce the chances of the lights going out is to keep your trees trimmed away from power lines. The power company trims branches at street level. However, homeowners are usually responsible for other trees. The fall season is ideal for clearing trees from power lines. Without leaves, it is easier to spot problem branches and other obstacles.
Although fall tree trimming reduces the risk of storm damage, limbs and branches can still break or fall during bad weather. If you need last-minute storm preparation or clean-up, contact Curtis Point Tree Service in Spokane, WA, for emergency tree service.