Trees are a beautiful and essential part of the UK’s landscapes, enhancing gardens, roadsides, and public spaces. During the recent and more frequent Winter storms we have been experiencing, they can also represent a serious risk when they’re damaged or uprooted in the strong weather.
The Impact of Storms on Trees – Storms usually bring strong winds, weakening or damaging trees in a number of ways:
- Wind Damage: Strong gusts can snap limbs or branches, uproot trees, or cause them to lean dangerously.
- Waterlogging: Prolonged rainfall can saturate soil, weakening a tree’s root system and increasing the potential of it to fall.
- Lightning Strikes: Much rarer, but a single lightning strike can cause trees to split or explode, creating dangerous debris.
Risks in Gardens – Trees in gardens are often closer to homes, making them a significant risk during storms:
- Damage to Property: Falling branches or whole trees can smash windows, roofs, or garden structures.
- Injury: A storm-damaged tree can collapse unexpectedly, putting people and pets at risk.
- Power Outages: Trees falling onto power lines can cause widespread outages and pose an electrocution hazard.
What You Can Do
- Regularly inspect trees for signs of decay, disease, or instability.
- Prune overhanging branches and remove deadwood to reduce wind resistance.
- If in doubt, consult a professional tree surgeon for an expert assessment.
Recognizing Dangerous Trees
It’s essential to identify trees that are more vulnerable during storms. Look out for:
- Dead or Dying Trees: These are more likely to snap or fall under pressure.
- Cracked Branches: Visible cracks or splits are weak points.
- Leaning Trees: A significant lean could indicate unstable roots.
- Fungal Growth: Mushrooms or other fungi at the base may suggest internal or root decay.
If you’re concerned about any of your trees and would like advice, or a quote for and inspect or practical work, call Andrew on 07771 883061 or email: Andrew@primarytreesurgeons.co.uk