As both fun and relaxation sweep in with summer in Austin, Texas, so do the threats of varying dangerous weather patterns. Excessive heat and drought often accompany summer. On the flip side, flooding is sometimes an issue as well. This could result from heavy mid-western winter snows that finally melt and make their way down country or from localized heavy rain events. Hurricanes are another weather phenomena that shouldn’t be overlooked during the summer months. Undoubtedly, they bring with them incredibly forceful winds and torrential rains. When a hurricane is predicted to make landfall in your region, it is important that precautions are taken to protect your landscaping trees, home, and other personal property.
Before hurricane season officially begins, take a look at the landscaping trees on your property. Specifically, it is important to examine the structure of the trees. Are there weak limbs already on the verge of collapse? Is there verifiable damage to the trunk that perhaps makes the tree weak? If so, these are situations in which a weakened tree would likely have a difficult time sustaining itself during heavy winds and rain. Pruning or, in worst case scenarios, removing the tree may be worthy considerations in order to prevent greater property damage or cleanup or repair expense following a hurricane. An Austin tree removal professional can assist with this task.
In addition to considering the location of the landscaping trees on your property, it is equally as important to consider the trees’ locations relative to other structures. For instance, does a weakened tree or tree limb perhaps hang just above your rooftop or near glass windows? Your vehicles or carport? Your storage shed or privacy fence? A weakened tree or tree limb has the potential to rip away shingles or even collapse into your home, creating considerable structural damage; to break through glass windows; to crush a vehicle, eradicating a usually costly and necessary means of transportation; or to damage stored property or property lines. An Austin tree trimming expert can assist you with such considerations and how best to lessen the chances of hurricane-related damage.
Yet another scenario to consider is the condition of the area immediately surrounding the trees. Particularly, are the roots deeply set into the surrounding soil or are they considerably exposed? This could greatly affect the tree’s stability and ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. Is the soil around the tree trunk weatherworn? Erosion at the base of the tree could potentially allow rainfall to accumulate there. This may account for any number of problems, including the inability of the tree to receive sufficient oxygen, essentially drowning it, or the creation of a breeding ground for pesky summer insects, like mosquitoes. Consult an Austin tree care service to assist you in determining how even base-level conditions may affect a tree’s vitality during the stress of a hurricane.
Although we certainly want to protect our property, including our landscaping trees, it’s important to remember that those trees which are structurally sound not only have a better chance of withstanding a hurricane‘s fury, but also promote the overall protection of other property structures, eventually and collectively diminishing a hurricane and its damaging effects. Because they serve such a purpose, caring for our trees before hurricane season begins is critical to their ultimate survival. Consult an Austin arborist to assist in your hurricane season preparations.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree service in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and oak wilt treatment. For more information on Austin tree service, please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
