As storm season approaches in San Jose, many homeowners are busy preparing their homes for possible property damage. While clearing gutters and securing outdoor items are important, one crucial aspect often goes overlooked: the trees.
At Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists, we understand the importance of preparing trees for storms and how to protect your property and family. Fallen trees, scattered debris, and broken power lines are just some of the leftover effects of a storm (if severe enough).
So let’s get into how you can get your trees storm-ready and why professional tree care is essential.
Step 1: Recognize the Warning Signs
Even trees that appear healthy can have hidden weaknesses. Environmental factors like drought, poor care, and previous damage can make trees more vulnerable to failure during storms. Here are some warning signs to look out for as you prepare your trees:
- Leaning trees
- Cracks in trunks or major limbs
- Fungal growth at the base of the trunk
- Dead or hanging branches
- Soil heaving or exposed roots
- Sparse leaf coverage or dead sections
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in the experts. Certified arborists can perform a thorough inspection to assess the risk level and recommend the best course of action.
Step 2: Prune Strategically
Proper pruning is key to creating storm-resistant trees. When done correctly, it improves your tree’s appearance and health. When you hire professional arborists for pruning, they will:
- Remove dead, weak, or crossing limbs
- Thin dense canopies to reduce wind resistance
- Raise low-hanging branches over walkways or roofs
- Correct structural flaws early in a tree’s life
It’s important to note that improper pruning can actually make a tree more dangerous, which is why it’s best to trust professionals like Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists.
Step 3: Supporting Your Mature Trees
Bigger trees are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous during storms. Arborists can help make your large trees safer using special techniques like cabling and bracing to make weak branches stronger.
Experts, like Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists, use specialized methods to help your trees stand up to high winds. They also perform regular check-ups so trees stay safe year after year.
Step 4: Care for Your Tree’s Roots
Healthy roots are key to keeping your trees standing tall during storms. You can help improve your soil to support strong root growth by:
- Loosening packed-down soil to help roots grow better.
- Adding mulch around your trees protects roots and keeps the soil moist.
- Checking if water is draining properly around your trees.
Tree experts can advise on how to protect your tree’s roots from damage
Step 5: Check Your Property for Risks
It’s best to find and fix tree problems before storm season starts. Anderson’s Tree Care Specialists’s tree risk assessment services can help you avoid costly damage.
An arborist will look at all your trees carefully and spot problems you might not see. We’ll suggest trimming or other care if needed and help you decide which trees need attention first.
Be Prepared for San Jose’s Next Storm
With over 28 years of experience serving the San Jose community, our team of ISA Certified Arborists is here to help you prepare your trees for the next storm.
Don’t wait for a storm to reveal your tree’s weaknesses – let us help you address them proactively. Contact us today for a tree safety inspection. Our experienced team will check your property, find any storm risks, and help you take smart steps to keep your trees and home safe this season.