June is the beginning of hurricane season in South Georgia and, as we have witnessed, storms in our area can be incredibly tough to withstand. Just a few moments of intense wind, rain, and hail can result in costly cleanup and repairs for your home and landscape. Proactive measures taken by a homeowner prior to a storm are invaluable when weighed against insurance deductibles, significant repairs, and cleanup efforts. Since many local storm-related issues stem from trees, it's beneficial to understand why trees can cause such extensive damage.
Certain trees on your property are more vulnerable to wind damage. Pine, Live Oak, Willow, Chinese Elm, and Pecan trees are among the trees that tend to drop limbs and/or become uprooted by storm winds. Keeping trees healthy is essential for reducing worry, minimizing work, and saving money. Here are a few considerations regarding the health and vitality of your trees:
Tree with Saturated Roots
Trees that remain in saturated soil, having wet feet, are at a higher risk of being uprooted by any wind strength or may fall on their own. Trees that tolerate saturated roots and have developed shallow roots due to the saturated soil include the Cypress, Red Maple, and Willow. Ensure that the area surrounding your trees has adequate drainage.
Tree Canopy Stability
Trees with an uneven canopy are likely to experience stress during stormy weather. A tree’s age, height, and density are all factors that affect its canopy. High winds can cause the uneven weight distribution of a tree canopy to lead to twisting and fracturing of a tree. Georgia’s most common tree, the pine, is particularly prone to uneven growth due to competition for sunlight, water and nutrients. Regularly inspect your trees for any signs of uneven tree canopy and or stress fractures, and ensure they are properly pruned and maintained.
Understanding Root Failure
Root failure can result in a tree toppling over during a storm. There are various reasons roots die, including construction activities, disease, poor drainage, soil compaction, root exposure, underground pipes, and nearby foundations. As majestic as it is, a Live Oak will fall over during a storm when the tree has root failure. If you notice any signs of root stress, such as wilting or discoloring of leaves, stunted growth, branch dieback, increased lean, and fungal growth at the tree base, it’s important to contact a tree arborist for assistance in addressing the problem.
Limiting Fallen Branches
Trees with weak bark are less able to support their branches during strong winds. Some examples are Bradford Pear, Eucalyptus, American Oak and Silver Maple. The most effective way to ensure branch stability is to keep your trees well-maintained and in good health. Pruning should help limit the likelihood of branches breaking, aiming to reduce the risk rather than eliminate it entirely.
Tree ownership requires you to assume the role of a tree caretaker. Proactive maintenance and pruning are essential to mitigate the risk of unexpected damage during a storm and transform your yard into a resilient sanctuary. However, it is important to recognize that Mother Nature has her own whims—certain storms cannot be controlled. Therefore, you should take the initiative to manage what you can and don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you find yourself uncertain whether tree services are required.
By Misty Johns, Coastal Greenery, Inc.
