From fallen branches to completely ripping up the roots, storms can wreak havoc on your trees. When you have a damaged tree, you may question whether to nurse it back to health or have it cut down. The best way to make that decision involves contacting your local Palm Harbor tree service company for guidance.
Healthy trees with storm damage can often make a full recovery. However, even the healthiest tree may need removal depending on how much damage it’s taken. Know what signs point to the need to remove storm-damaged trees, starting by recognizing the severity of the damage.
Questions To Ask Before Examining Storm Damaged Trees
Was the tree healthy before the storm?
Signs of a healthy tree include continued blooming during seasonal changes, no dead or diseased limbs, and no sign of pests like termites.
How much of the tree remains?
Trees that lose more than 50 percent of their limbs, boughs, or branches may decay or succumb to diseases.
How old is the tree?
Many tree species have remarkable resilience in their younger years, so give damaged trees a chance to recover if they haven’t been around too long.
How To Determine Tree Damage
Mildly Damaged Trees
If your tree remains in good condition minus a few small limbs, you can safely assume the tree doesn’t need maintenance or removal.
Moderately Damaged Trees
Trees suffering from moderate damage may have plenty of branches remaining but have dropped some larger limbs. Your tree may look unbalanced or have damaged limbs hanging by the bark. These problems warrant a check-up from your local tree professionals.
Severely Damaged Trees
Severely damaged trees may have fallen over, collided with a building or vehicle, or only have a few roots holding the tree up, leaving the tree vulnerable to the wind. Removing severely damaged trees should top your priority list to ensure they cause no further damage.
Can Storm Damaged Trees Be Repaired?
In some cases, a professional tree service can save a damaged tree. They’ll pull down hanging limbs, perform pruning around smaller broken branches, and check for signs of pests or disease. Young trees may pull through even in the face of extensive damage, so ask your tree service if there’s a chance your tree can survive.
If your tree leans too far over or has several exposed roots, you may have to resort to tree removal instead of repair. Even young trees can’t survive after losing a certain amount of limbs. In some cases, your tree may have already begun to rot inside, and the storm revealed problems hidden by a healthy exterior.
Who Should I Hire for Tree Repair or Removal?
Some enterprising people grab chainsaws and make the rounds in their neighborhood after a storm passes through. They may offer to pull down and dispose of fallen limbs, explain how easily they can remove a damaged tree, or ask to top your tree off in expectation of future storms. Without the proper training and experience, these callers may further damage your trees or, worse, hurt themselves on your property.
Only hire tree professionals with proof of licensure and insurance. Walk with them during their inspection of your trees and ask them all your questions. Before signing any paperwork, ensure you both understand what services you need and what types of disposal methods they use.
Professional Tree Services for Post-storm Damage in Palm Harbor, FL
Damaged trees pose a risk to your home and personal well-being. If you need help deciding to repair or remove storm-damaged trees, call Stevens Tree Service at (727) 734-8733 for a free estimate.
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