Preventing Storm Damage To Trees In Beaverton's Windy Climate
Trees are a beautiful feature to any property. They add shade on hot days, cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter, as well as increase property value.
However, trees can be hazardous if a storm comes through your area. Heavy rain can cause trees to leak into the interior of the tree, or even cause it to fall over.
Storms can cause significant damage to trees, possibly injuring people or pets that are under them. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this damage!
Beaverton has a moderate climate, with average temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This makes it difficult to remove certain tree species due to climate change concerns.
This article will tell you all about how to protect your trees and prevent damage from storms on your property.
Prepare your trees for storm season
In addition to providing shade, tall trees also play an important role in the aesthetics of a property.
However, beautiful trees can be costly if they cause damage to your property. For example, a tree falling onto a car would cost money to repair the car and cost money to remove the tree.
Trees take years to grow and its roots take longer to establish itself in the ground. For this reason, professionals recommend pruning or removing trees only as a last resort.
By keeping trees on your property healthy, you are also helping ensure your property is more resilient against storm damage. This is because trees help protect the soil from being washed away and broken by heavy rain and wind.
Beaverton residents are no strangers to high winds due to its proximity to West Beaver Creek Canyon.
Understand the nature of wind storms
Before the storm season begins, take some time to learn about wind storms. What are the typical weather patterns in your area? What types of winds produce the most damage?
Bullet point: Learn how to recognize a hazardous wind event
Knowing the difference between a slight wind and a dangerous one can save you from unnecessary worry, but more importantly, it can save your trees!
Slight winds may cause some slight swishing of branches, but if there is an increase in this movement with no other changes, then it is likely not a storm imminent event.
By learning when a storm is coming and what causes them, you can begin to predict them and take preventative measures before they arrive.
Prepare your trees for storm season
In addition to preserving the health of your trees, precaution can be taken to protect your trees in the case of a storm.
Preventing damage to trees is possible with early preparation and awareness of storm warnings. Once storms begin, it is too late to begin protecting your trees!
Experts recommend starting tree protection early in the season, as spring brings showers and windy weather that can start to shake your trees. By beginning tree care early, experts recommend ensuring the health of your tree so that it is stronger against spring storms.
To prepare your trees for storm season, experts recommend pruning dead or diseased branches early in the season. This way, there will be more space for new growth that spring brings, and there will be less chances of falling branches due to heavy pruning.
Know the signs of damage
As mentioned before, tree health can be assessed by looking at the tree’s leaves, trunk, and roots. Examining these areas carefully can reveal hidden damage or disease that may lead to tree failure.
Leaves can indicate mineral deficiencies, especially if the veins are pale or the leaf margin is curly. Changes in leaf size or shape can also point to problems.
The bark on the tree’s trunk can reveal underlying infections or injury. If the bark is cracked or has holes in it, there may be a problem with the underlying tissue. If the bark is smooth and thick, this could be a sign of defensive growth due to an infection or injury.
By looking at the roots, experts can determine if a tree is having problems absorbing nutrients or water. This could point to a lack of oxygen in the soil, which could be a cause for failure.
Respond quickly to damage
If a tree does suffer damage, it is important to have it inspected by a tree care professional as soon as possible. A tree care professional will look at the whole tree and its roots to determine if the tree can be saved or if it needs to be removed.
If the damage is severe, like a heavy wind throw or root injury, then the tree may need to be removed. If the tree seems stable and there are no signs of decline, then you can do a little bit of pruning and cleaning up to help it recover.
When storms are approaching, it is also important to watch for new damage. If new leaves or branches drop off or the tree shakes slightly, then there may be new underlying issues. These should be looked at by a professional as well.
Prune damaged branches
When a tree suffers damage to a branch or several branches, you should always prune the damaged branches. If you did not prune the damaged branches, they could cause damage to other branches or the tree could be at risk for failure due to lack of strength.
When looking at whether to prune a branch or not, check the attachment point of the branch to the tree. If it appears healthy and robust, then it is okay to prune it.
Be aware that trees grow outward as well as upward, so pruning a branch may cause it to grow more lateral branches as a response. This is why when you see a tree that has what appear to be short trunks, it is because many of the older ones have been Pruned in an effort to control its size.
When winter comes and the trees are at risk for storm damage, be sure to check your trees for any loose wires or disheveled appearances. These may indicate need of repair.
Use braces or guy wires
In addition to planting trees in appropriate locations, there are a few strategies for protecting trees in high-wind areas.
One is to plant multiple trees in a group, giving them support and stability against each other. Another is to plant them in a grassy area or on a mound of soil, where their roots will be more firmly anchored.
You can also use tree braces or tree guy wires to help trees withstand strong winds. These are cables that run from the bottom of the tree up to the top, where they are fastened securely.
They act as an extra support system, making it harder for the tree to be toppled. They can be permanently installed or removable depending on the situation.
Use stakes and ropes
When trees are planted, they should be planted with the intention of having them forever. Trees that are planted should be cared for and nurtured so they can grow into beautiful, magnificent trees.
Part of caring for trees is ensuring their roots are protected. While grasses and other plants grow above ground, trees have their roots above ground. These roots are vulnerable to being pulled up or pushed over.
Tornadoes and hurricanes often bring high winds that can pull trees out of the ground or snap the trunk or branches. If trees are planted close to one another, they are also at a higher risk of being damaged by another tree.
To prevent damage to your tree, use stakes and ropes to secure your tree’s root system in the soil. Make sure the root system is covered fully by soil so that no part is exposed.
