Before a storm, you can take the following steps to prepare your trees:
- Inspect tree health: Check for cracks, dead or hanging branches, or hollow trunks that indicate disease or damage.
- Prune dead or diseased branches: Remove these branches to lower the risk of them falling during the storm.
- Thin the crown: Thinning the crown reduces wind resistance and makes the tree less likely to fall.
- Secure loose branches: Remove any branches that appear to be hanging or loosely attached to prevent them from falling during the storm.
- Stake young trees: Stake newly planted trees to provide extra support and prevent them from falling over.
- Water deeply: Strengthen roots by watering your trees deeply before the storm.
- Clear the area: Remove any objects that could become projectiles during the storm, such as lawn furniture, trampolines, or basketball hoops.
By following these steps, you can prepare your trees for a storm and lower the risk of damage to your property and harm to you and your family. However, even the best preparation cannot guarantee the survival of your trees during severe storms. In such cases, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional arborist.