Storms can quickly turn healthy, safe trees into ticking time bombs. Depending on the strength of the storm, they can damage or even take down large sections of a tree and cause significant property damage. The best way to prevent these disasters is to hire a qualified, reputable tree service. A good starting point is to ask for proof that the tree service storm damage tree removal you are considering has the proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverages (opens in new window). Then, look for the International Society of Arboriculture’s Certified Arborist Seal opens in a new browser tab to be sure they have a credentialed professional on staff.
A good tree service will have a process for assessing storm damage and taking care of it in an efficient and timely manner. They will address any emergency situations first – such as a tree that has fallen on your house or a power line. Then they will do a more thorough inspection of the remaining trees to make sure that any structural damage is addressed. This may involve removing the damaged portion of the tree or recommending that it be pruned or removed completely.
If you have a lot of storm damage, it’s important to make sure the tree services you are considering are fully insured and credentialed. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from more than one company. This allows you to compare prices, services offered and customer satisfaction. Lastly, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. If a tree service is offering a discount because they aren’t licensed, insured and experienced – it’s likely that they will be less careful when working on your trees and may end up costing you more in the long run.
Untrained individuals may urge you to cut back all the broken limbs in the mistaken belief that short, natural limbs will break more easily during future storms. However, professional arborists strongly advise against this practice. Leaving stubs is dangerous and ineffective because the branches that grow from stubs are more likely to break in a storm. Moreover, stubs can attract disease and insect pests and are more susceptible to decay.
A reputable tree service will carefully inspect your landscape for storm damage and signs of health problems that could be worsened by additional weather events. They can also provide plant health care options to promote optimal tree health and help them better withstand the effects of future storms. Trees offer many benefits – including shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air and water, energy savings, beauty and more. A well-cared-for landscape can help protect and preserve these valuable assets for you, your family and the community at large.