Throughout Southern Ontario, we are accustomed to severe ice storms in the wintertime and strong thunderstorms in the summer. High winds and heavy ice accumulation wreak havoc on trees, causing the branches to weaken and come crashing down.
Even properly maintained trees can suffer damage. People often underestimate the power of such a disaster. Storms can leave a huge mess in the streets and cause a damage to our properties. It’s important to know how to act after a storm. Cleaning up fallen branches or trees after a storm is essential for the safety of everyone. There are do’s and don’ts for this process and it is important to understand them both.
Hire a professional Arborist
Having a handyman in the family is a great asset, but sometimes, even they can make a mistake. This is why it’s important to hire a certified arborist. Dead, weak, split or broken branches can be a menace for people. Martin’s Tree Services is one of the most reliable companies in its’ area for tree maintenance. So if you live in the Waterloo Region or Guelph, you are in luck.
Arborists at Martins Tree are highly trained to complete the pruning and maintenance of your trees safely. Arborists know what’s best for a tree. They will remove the fallen branches, fallen trees, and other hazards. Sometimes trees can be saved and nurtured back to health. Sometimes they will need to be pruned, taken down or removed completely. Don’t take risky steps all by yourself, call a professional arborist.
Identify the Signs of Danger
Light rain and a little windy weather don’t mean the sky is falling, but there are types of storms that will definitely harm your trees and plants around your property.
Types of storms that pose a danger for trees:
- Wind Storms – strong winds can be a sign of a storm approaching. Wind storms happen often in Waterloo and southwest Ontario. Trees with healthier and stronger roots have a better chance of survival. Trees that survive the storm will be under a great stress so they will need professional care from an arborist.
- Ice Storms – Ice storms are the biggest enemy of every tree, every leaf and garden. Ice can accumulate up to several inches in thickness. Ice storms are sworn enemies of soft and fine branches and weak wood. Trees that are more resistant to ice storms are hardwoods (oak, beech, American hornbeam).
- Floods – Floods can damage trees by eroding the supporting soil. Trees can start rotting and decomposing after a flood. It is most wise to contact a licensed arborist in case of a tree damaged after a flood.
- Lightning – Lightning occurs often with storms and taller trees are a great target for them. Pines, oaks, and elms are mostly the ones struck by lightning. Sometimes lightning can blow off a branch and sometimes it can explode the entire tree.
Clean up after storms should be taken carefully. Martin’s Tree will assess the risks before taking any action. Some trees can be saved and some are doomed to be removed. The decision requires some time and professional minds. Don’t just hope for the natural regeneration process to take its course. Consult with a professional about removing a tree. You won’t have to spend a fortune on tree removal service. Guelph, Waterloo, and Kitchener are lucky to have professional arborists doing a complete job for them.
Steve Martin
