A big storm can leave a yard looking worse than it is. A tree that has lost a few limbs may recover well, while one that looks almost untouched can be the real danger. Before you decide what to do, take a slow walk around it from a safe distance.
Stay clear until you know it is safe
Keep away from any tree that is touching a power line, and call your utility company first. Stay out from under hanging or cracked limbs too, since they can fall without warning hours or days after the storm has passed.
Signs a tree may recover
- The trunk is solid and has no long cracks.
- The main upright stem is still in place.
- Most of the larger branches are intact.
- The roots are firmly in the ground.
Signs a tree may need to come down
- A deep split runs through the trunk.
- The tree has started to lean after the storm.
- The soil has lifted or cracked on one side of the base.
- Much of the crown has been torn away.
Get a second opinion before you cut
Some damage is easy to misread from the ground. A certified arborist can tell you whether a tree can be saved, and what pruning will help it heal. If you would like someone to take a look, get in touch with Phil.