As we head into winter, it is prudent to think about the trees on your property. Many tree weaknesses and defects are not obvious, so it is always a good idea to have an arborist perform an annual 360° visual inspection of your trees surface roots, trunk and canopy. Almstead offers complimentary seasonal inspections. If your arborist hasn’t visited your property yet, please schedule an appointment with your local branch office. Here are some ways we reduce the chances of failure for trees in extreme weather.

Pruning: Removing dead and weak branches is a good way to ensure that they will not come down in a storm. Selective crown reduction through branch-end thinning can reduce wind resistance and drag, which can reduce the chances of branch failure or an entire tree uprooting. This is especially true of large species trees like oaks, maples, tulip, lindens, elms, sweetgums, etc.

Cabling and Bracing: If your tree has some structural weakness, your arborist may suggest cabling and bracing as a way to preserve the tree rather than taking it down. These cables and bracing rods provide supplemental structural support and minimize movement in high winds. Identifying codominant stems with included bark and weak branch attachments is part of our arborists inspection routine and protocol.

Lightning Protection: Mature trees are particularly susceptible to lightning strikes. We install lightning rods that are inconspicuous and safe for the tree. If a tree is hit by lightning, the copper cables channel the current away from the tree (and any buildings and utilities) and into the ground where it can safely dissipate. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installation of tree lightning protection systems in large mature trees that are within 10 feet of a structure — and that they be installed by a qualified arborist in compliance with ANSI Z133 standards.