High winds can cause havoc in your gardens. Many Lancashire tree owners will come outside to see what damage has been caused. A reputable Storm Damage Tree Service Preston will give you the skills and equipment to deal with this. We have put together a simple guide on what to look for and how to get your garden back to normal. Read on to find out more.
Why You Need A Storm Damage Tree Service Preston.
All trees suffer from wind. What could be a solid tree during the summer months could have hidden rot. After a storm the damage to your tree becomes a real risk to your roof, car, fence and family. Many tree owners will want to solve the issue themselves by using a saw. However this puts them in a very dangerous situation as the damaged tree can have a lot of tension in it which can snap. A trained team will ensure your family remain safe and avoid causing any further issues to your property. Our local experts understand the type of soil, common types of trees and how gales hit the Fylde coast and Ribble valley. This means they can confidently assess your tree.
What Damage Can High Winds Cause?
Strong gusts of wind will cause your tree to suffer. The canopy of the tree will act like a sail and the trunk will act like a mast. This can cause shallow roots to rise up from the water logged soil causing the whole tree to fall. Older trees will suffer from splitting down the weak joins. This causes heavy branches to fall. Younger trees will bend but return to their original shape whereas older trees with fragile trunks will split. Heavy rainfall will cause the soil to become water logged which will cause more issues. Arborists will refer to trees that have fallen as windthrow. Leaves will cause more issues in autumn as they catch more wind than twigs in winter. This causes extra strain on all branches.
What To Look For.
Take a walk around your garden and look for the following signs of a hazardous tree.
- Leaning trunk.
- Soil has risen up or cracked.
- Roots coming through.
- Cracked, split or hollow trunk.
- Broken branches hanging from the canopy (widow makers).
- Peeling bark in large chunks.
- Mould growing on the trunk or roots.
If you notice any of these signs, call a professional. Take pictures from a distance to show your insurer.
How To Stay Safe Around Fallen Trees.
Always treat fallen trees as a live hazard. Keep children and pets inside and stay away from the tree. Firstly check if any power lines are present. If your tree has fallen on a power line it could cause a lethal current. If there is a cable lying on the ground or through the branches call the electricity network. Keep everyone away. Do not touch the trunk. It can be very tempting to climb up or pull the tree however branches can be very strained and cause catapulting. The trunk can cause crushing to your foot in seconds. Place a rope or cones around the area and wait for help.
Why You Should Call A Professional.
Working on trees is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Tree climbers will have harnesses, ropes and chainsaws. They will also have many years of training. Whereas a tree owner would have nothing but a ladder and borrowed saw. A professional Storm Damage Tree Service Preston will have the correct equipment and insurance. The Olive Branch Tree Surgery will send qualified arborists to assess the risk. Once they have assessed the tree they will then secure the area and protect surrounding buildings. They will then carefully remove the hazard. You will feel reassured knowing the experts are doing the work.
What Tree Surgeons Will Do.
A good team will have a plan in mind. They will start off with doing a walk around to spot any hazards like cables, gas pipes and weak trees close by. The leader will then decide where the ‘danger zone’ is. Every member of the team will have a job to do. The climbers or lifting platform will climb up to the damaged canopy. They will then fell the tree into smaller sections and lower them down with ropes. The ground crew will Chip the branches and pile the logs. By the end of your visit your garden will be free from any risk. Skilled tree surgeons will leave everything looking calm.
Broken Branches
Broken branches can seem like nothing but gravity and light winds will cause them to fall. Split branches will do the same. The split will get larger each time the wind pushes. The crew will remove the broken part. They will make sure they make clean cuts outside the branch collar so that the tree can heal. This will help the tree fight off any rot and disease. If they make ragged cuts mould, insects and weak growth will be attracted. After any major knocks to your canopy, have a professional look at them. Damage to the top of your tree can be hard to spot from the ground.
Trees To Remove Or Keep
Many trees will survive a storm with some pruning. If your tree has just lost a few branches and still has a healthy trunk it will regrow its full canopy within a few seasons. If your tree has a split trunk or raised root plate it will pose a risk and cannot be trimmed. If your tree is leaning towards your house and has raised soil at the base it will need removing. Arborists will take into consideration the species, age, health of the roots and what is under the tree. At the end of your visit from a Storm Damage Tree Service Preston we will give you honest advice and a clear price. We will only recommend removing your tree as a last resort, a good arborist will try their best to save your tree.
How To Minimise Damage In The Future
Prevention is better than cure. Try to get into these good habits.
- Annual visits from a qualified arborist.
- Thin out any dense canopy.
- Remove any dead branches before winter.
- Add cables or bracing to any weak forks on older trees.
- Don’t use mowers or diggers near the roots.
- Plant the correct tree in the right place.
The Olive Branch Tree Surgery can offer pruning, crown reduction and inspections to keep your trees strong during the windy months. A little extra care now can save you a large bill next time there is a gale.
FAQ’S
Can I remove fallen trees from my garden?
Small twigs and light branches can be moved with gloves however large trunks and entangled branches will require a trained team with the right equipment.
Who pays for Storm Damage Tree Work?
This depends on your policy. Many home insurance policies will include damage to buildings. Check your policy.
How quickly can a crew attend my home?
This depends on how many calls we have and how risky the issue looks. The sooner you can let us know there is a risk the sooner we can add you to our list.
Do I Need Permission To Remove a Storm Damaged Tree In Preston?
Some trees may have a protection order or be in a conservation area. Your arborist can check with the council.
What to do with The Wood?
Once your logs have dried they will be great for burning. The chips will be great for mulching your beds and paths.
Conclusion
All trees in the UK will suffer from strong winds. A few hours of gales can cause many risks in your garden. Smart tree owners will avoid getting into any damage and know the signs. A reliable Storm Damage Tree Service Preston will keep you safe and save your trees. The Olive Branch Tree Surgery can help with fallen trees, broken branches and leaning trees. Find out more about our services by visiting our website. Book a visit with our friendly team.