Following a bad storm in Rochester, MN, it's important to know some of the symptoms of storm damage to look for in order to keep your trees healthy. The tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn want you and your trees to stay safe in every season, and that means knowing how to decide when your trees need extra help after a storm has passed.
There are, of course, many obvious signs that a tree has been compromised by storm damage. For instance, if your tree isn't where you left it the night before, then you probably have a problem. Beyond that, signs such as broken branches hanging at odd angles, or a trunk split completely down the middle, require immediate attention in order to be made safe. But these examples are certainly not something that you might miss with a stray glance.
Even if your tree appears unscathed after the winds have died down, there are still many storm damage warning signs that may be easier to miss than you realize. One of your trees may have only sustained enough storm damage to make it hazardous to stand under rather than enough to harm its health. An example of this is when branches have broken off but are still suspended by others. This sort of storm damage is especially prevalent in trees with heavy foliage. After the weather has cleared, one good gust could dislodge one of these branches and drop it onto a car, building, or person. From a safe distance, carefully examine the branches. If any look like they're just hanging on, take immediate steps to have them safely removed.
A more problematic injury for the health of your tree could be deep running cracks along the trunk. They may not look particularly threatening, however, when it comes to tree care, any structural compromise can lead to much greater damage. If you hadn't noticed the cracks before the storm, consult your local tree care experts for advice.
It's a relief for most tree care enthusiasts to come out after a storm to see their leafy friends are still standing, but if they're standing at a new angle, that could be a problem! A tree that has begun to lean could indicate it sustained damage at its base and may be at risk in several ways. If your tree has been pulled up near the roots, it's overall health could be jeopardized, and it's potentially at risk of unexpectedly falling over. Address this type of storm damage very quickly.
If your trees have suffered from storm damage, obvious or not so obvious, contact the tree care experts at Maier Tree and Lawn. Rochester, MN, residents can reach us by phone at (507) 286-8733, or by visiting our website here for more information.
