As a Board Certified Master Arborist, I can tell you firsthand: most (certainly not all!) storm-related tree failures are preventable. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the weather.
1. Trees Under Stress Are Most Likely to Fail
It’s not always the biggest trees that fall — it’s the weakest ones. Construction damage, root compaction, drought stress, and improper pruning can all leave a tree vulnerable.
Watch for these red flags:
- Leaning trees (especially if the lean has increased recently)
- Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
- Mushrooms or fungal conks at the base (root decay)
- Dead limbs high in the canopy
- Signs of past lightning strikes or improper cuts
2. Don’t Wait for Disaster
A tree doesn’t have to fall to be dangerous. Even a single large limb can punch a hole in your roof or cause injury. That’s why we recommend a tree risk assessment every spring — especially if you’ve got trees near the house, driveway, or power lines.
A trained arborist can use ANSI A300 standards to evaluate the likelihood of failure and recommend mitigation options, whether that’s pruning, cabling, or, in rare cases, removal.
3. Schedule Preventive Care
If your tree checks out fine, great. If not, you’ve got options:
- Crown cleaning: remove dead, dying, or weakly attached limbs
- Cabling/bracing: support high-risk limbs or co-dominant stems
- Soil aeration and amendment: improve root health and stability
Remember: your trees don’t have to go down with the next front. A little prevention now can save you thousands in repairs — and give you peace of mind when the next storm rolls in.
Need a risk assessment or second opinion? Book a consultation at www.ArboristOnDemand.com today.
Matt Latham –
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #859
ma************@***il.com
www.arboristondemand.com
