Don’t Wait for the Storm: Why Proactive Tree Removal Could Save Your Property and Your Life
When dark clouds gather and weather alerts start buzzing on your phone, it’s already too late to address the dangerous trees on your property. Dead and dying branches are at the most significant risk of falling during severe weather. Remove them before storm season with our deadwooding service. Storm season preparation isn’t just about stocking up on batteries and water—it’s about identifying and removing trees that could become deadly projectiles when Mother Nature unleashes her fury.
Understanding Storm Season Timing
The coldest months—specifically February or March—are actually the best and, overall, the cheapest time to remove trees. Winter tends to bring outdoor projects to a screeching halt, but tree removal plays by a different set of rules. This timing isn’t just about cost savings—it’s strategic storm preparation. Thinning the canopy and removing weak or dead limbs before hurricane season can significantly reduce the risk of major tree damage during high winds. We recommend scheduling this service in late spring/early summer.
The key is understanding your local storm patterns. As we enter the unpredictable spring season, it’s crucial to be prepared for the storms that often come with it. April weather can bring high winds and heavy rainfall, putting trees at risk. Planning your tree assessment and removal during the dormant winter months means your property will be ready when storm season arrives.
Identifying Dangerous Trees Before They Fall
Not all trees pose the same level of risk during storms. Professional arborists know what to look for when assessing storm vulnerability. Branches that are cracked, hanging precariously, or twisted in the canopy (“widowmakers”) are highly dangerous and can fall at any moment. Leaning or Uprooted Trees: A tree that is leaning significantly or has a partially uprooted root ball is unstable and at high risk of falling completely.
Several warning signs indicate a tree needs immediate attention:
- Trees with extensive root damage, making them unstable: Damaged roots can compromise a tree’s stability, increasing the risk of it toppling over. A professional can assess whether the tree can be saved or if removal is the safest option.
- Structural damage to the trunk, such as fractures or hollowing: A trunk with visible cracks, fractures, or hollow sections is a sign of serious internal damage. Professionals can evaluate the tree’s health and determine the best course of action, whether it’s reinforcement, pruning, or removal.
- Large limbs hanging over your home, fence, or pool should be trimmed back safely.
The Dangers of Waiting Too Long
When wind speeds exceed 50 mph, even healthy trees struggle to withstand the pressure. The combination becomes more dangerous when the soil is saturated from heavy rainfall, weakening root systems’ anchoring ability. What might seem like a minor concern during calm weather can become a catastrophic hazard when storms arrive.
Effects by recent storms can weaken trees, leading to falling branches or even entire trees, which can cause damage to homes, vehicles and pose a threat to public safety. Incidents involving falling trees or limbs can result in fatalities and extensive property damage.
The financial consequences of delaying action can be severe. A Fairfax family’s DIY removal attempt resulted in a fallen tree section crashing through their roof, causing $78,000 in structural damage that insurance refused to cover. Professional removal before storm season is always more cost-effective than emergency cleanup and property repair afterward.
Professional Assessment and Timing
When it comes to storm preparation, timing is everything. If you have a tree that you suspect might need to be removed, it definitely makes sense to ensure it’s done ahead of any winter storms that could be headed our way. High winds, ice, and snow can create conditions that make storm damage more likely. The last thing that you want is to be constantly worrying that you should have had a tree removed. When in doubt, definitely have your tree inspected ahead of a storm.
For residents in the Cherokee, Georgia area, finding reliable tree removal Cherokee GA services before storm season hits is crucial for protecting your property and family. Professional arborists can assess your trees’ vulnerability and recommend the best course of action, whether that’s strategic pruning, cabling and bracing, or complete removal.
An arborist will ensure your trees are prepared for storm season, by identifying any weak spots and removing dangers, such as dead branches, rotten wood and diseases that cause the tree to weaken. This proactive approach is far superior to reactive emergency services after a storm has already caused damage.
The Professional Advantage
The right approach to storm damage tree removal depends on the severity of the damage and the specific risks present. Professional tree services have the equipment, expertise, and insurance to handle these dangerous situations safely. They can assess each damaged tree to determine whether it needs complete removal or if strategic pruning might save it.
Professional tree services offer several advantages over DIY approaches:
- Professional tree removal companies follow strict safety protocols and have the necessary equipment to handle the job safely, minimizing the risk of accidents or further property damage.
- Sometimes, storms damage trees in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Our arborists can help identify if a limb is barely holding on, if damaged bark can no longer protect the trunk, or if a tree is unstable and likely to come down
- Professionals know when conditions are too dangerous to proceed and can safely stabilize hazardous trees until removal is possible.
Don’t Wait for Disaster
Get those dead, dying, and dangerous trees removed before the storms hit and cause a bigger issue. Storm season preparation is about being proactive rather than reactive. Don’t wait until the forecast changes. Let us help you storm-proof your trees today.
The best time to prepare for storms is during calm weather, when professional crews can work safely and efficiently. While you can’t control the weather, you can control how prepared your trees are. Here are five ways pruning can help reduce the risk of storm-related damage to your home, property, and surrounding landscape.
Remember, sometimes tree removal cannot wait. If you have a tree that is actively decaying, has some sort of structural damage, or is suddenly leaning, your tree removal needs should be addressed swiftly. Therefore, in cases of serious issues, the best time to have a tree removed is ASAP.
Protecting your property from storm damage starts with a professional tree assessment. Don’t wait for the next weather alert to take action—schedule your tree evaluation today and ensure your family’s safety when the next storm rolls through.