Destroying thousands of street and shade trees every year, wind and lightning passes though and the severe winds and thunder and lightning cause extensive damage in its path. The weather is unbiased and has no regard for any kind of trees. Historical and rare trees that were specifically designed into the landscaping can be utterly destroyed. Where Floridians experience extreme weather conditions, it is important to help prevent storm tree damage. With this in mind, we at Tree Masters would like to share preventative maintenance and a bit of awareness concerning storm damage to trees.

Types of Storm Damage to Trees

When it comes to storm damaged trees, there are several primary types of storm tree damage such as crown twist, lightning damage, stem failure, branch failure, blow-over, and root failure. The type of damage inflicted is due to a complex and interactive mix of tree problems and climate. To protect trees from all storm damage there is no way, except for complete enclosure, but you can significantly minimize the main types of storm damage, especially from the windy climates.

Staking Trees in Windy Areas

While preventing internal adjustment to wind loading, stake trees to keep them in place. You want to allow the tree to bend with wind, so ensure the tree is tied loosely. To ensure a well-established root system, keep ties in place for a few growing seasons. Remove all tree supports after 5-7 years.

Trimming Trees Before Hurricane Season

By cutting branches before they become larger than one inch in diameter by practicing proper pruning techniques. If damaged by poor pruning the main stem can be attacked by pests. In association with new wood growth around a pruned branch, proper pruning minimizes a number of structural problems that occur. It also promotes healthier trees.

Proper Watering & Fertilization to Prevent Wind Damage

Trees are as healthy possible when they are properly watered and fertilized. Trees react more effectively to damage when they are healthy and quickly change in the environment, are more wind firm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen or over-water the soil as it can increase the crown surface area and/or decrease the rooting area, making it more susceptible to storm damage.

Crooked Tree Crowns Should Be Removed

To produce a reasonably symmetrical crown, prune the branches. Consider tree removal and replacement, if there more than 70% of the crown is on one side of a mature tree. When a tree has to be saved in spite of itself, guying and bracing branches are last-ditch efforts.

Encourage Upright Tree Growth Patterns

Any branches with tight or narrow crotches should be eliminated. With one main stem, ensure trees are growing upright and prune away any competitor branches that are gaining height on the main stem.

Promote Wind Firmness to Prevent Tree Trunk Swaying

With proper cabling and bracing, you can promote wind firmness by not overcrowding trees. A tree needs the flexibility to move with the wind. Any cables should never be tight. To develop wind firmness in the remaining trees slowly remove trees over a number of years in a stand of trees to avoid overcrowding.

Tree Trimming, Pruning & More in Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, Kendall & Greater Miami, Florida

With the assistance of Tree Masters, we can help the locals of Greater Miami, Florida better protect their trees from storm damage. Call us today for hurricane tree protection and pre storm tree safety inspections, tree debris storm damage cleanup and other high quality tree services.