Sometimes, it can be easy to think of trees as indestructible, or at least close to it. After all, trees are substantial and can withstand much of what nature can throw at them. However, they’re not invincible; trees can take quite a bit of damage in a storm (whether from wind, rain, or lightning). However, there is plenty you can do to protect your trees from taking too much damage. Try these methods to help defend your trees in case of storms. You may not be able to control the weather, but you can do something to keep it from harming your landscape.
- Plant in the right place – It’s best to start by choosing a favourable location. Look around your yard to find a site protected from the usual wind patterns for your area. For example, if the wind commonly blows from east to west, plant your tree west of the house. This lets you use the house as a windbreak. Your home can protect the tree from heavy winds and rain, preventing severe damage, especially if the tree is still young and setting down roots.
- Pick the right kind of tree – Take note of what type of tree you’re planting, especially if the area is prone to storms. Some tree species are better at withstanding storm damage than others. Trees like the red oak, red maple, and linden are sturdy trees that are less likely to fall to heavy winds and rain. Be extra careful with which trees you choose for your yard to ensure it can take the local weather.
- Plant in groves – Lots of homeowners plant their trees singly, but there are advantages to planting more than one at a time. Planting several trees close together can reinforce the stability of all the trees. The trees’ roots can become intertwined, allowing neighbouring trees to protect each other in case of a storm. Having all the trees close together lets them work as windbreaks. Think of it this way: a single tree bending in a storm is more easily uprooted than several trees swaying together.
- Stake your trees – Young trees need plenty of help standing on their own. Install support stakes to help support your tree after planting. Stakes provide extra support and stability and allow the tree to develop strong roots that can help it stand as it grows. Tie the stakes firmly but gently. Leave some slack when tying the stakes to allow the tree to move with the wind. Leave just enough slack that the tree doesn’t lean too far in one direction. This natural sway will help the trees develop strong roots and trunk they need to stay stable on their own.
- Use a cover – Many people cover their trees to protect them from frost. Covers can also protect trees from other threats, like pests, wild animals, and wind damage. Place the sheet over the tree and tie or tape the bottom around the trunk to secure it in place. Check weather forecasts frequently to stay abreast of any changes. Remove the covers when storms aren’t expected. Removing the cover will let your trees absorb the sunlight they need to thrive.
- Keep your trees healthy – Always make sure your trees are in the best of health. Taking steps to keep your trees healthy is one of the best things you can do to keep them safe. Healthy trees are more likely to avoid toppling during a storm or other damage. For example, branches can resist tearing off the tree, and the tree itself can stand up to strong wind and rain. When it comes to making your trees durable and healthy, start when they’re young. Take care of your trees from the start to help them grow well enough to resist taking storm damage in the future.
- Water regularly – It’s a given that trees need plenty of water to help them grow strong. In severe wind and rain, a tree with strong branches and roots can weather the storm better. In contrast, dehydrated trees tend to have weak branches that can be more easily blown off in a storm. Water your trees to promote good health and stability. Regular watering is also key to helping the tree develop robust root systems. This helps anchor your trees, allowing them to resist stress and stay upright even in a big storm.
- Trim branches regularly – Making sure your tree gets enough pruning is great for its health, for several reasons. Regular trimming is a great way to prevent wind damage. A lack of pruning can make the canopy too top-heavy and more likely to bend in a storm. Dead and scraggly branches can also affect a tree’s sway, making it over-sway when it rains. Trimming the dead weight can help the tree sway as a whole, putting less stress on the branches. Tree pruning can also help shape your tree to become more resistant to storm damage, and gives you a chance to remove weak branches that might blow off in a storm and damage your property.
- Protect the root system – Roots do more than soak up water and nutrients from the ground. They also work as “anchors,” keeping the tree stable even when it sways from wind and rain. Take good care of your tree’s root systems to give it the stability it needs to stay standing. For example, lay ample mulch around the tree’s roots to preserve water and nutrients in the soil. Give your tree plenty of space around it to help the roots grow properly. Try planting shrubs nearby to discourage foot traffic that could compact the soil.
- Install lines of protection – You can expect more damage from a storm than what wind cause. Storms can also mean lightning, which can pose a real threat to your trees. Trees stand straight and tall, making them ideal natural lightning rods, scorching or burning your trees.
Invest in a lightning protection system to channel the lightning away from your trees and give them adequate protection. Losing any unique or historical trees on the property would be devastating; installing these measures to keep your trees safe from electrical damage. Cabling comes with several benefits that give your trees extra defences from potential harm; invest in cabling to avoid storm damage and make the trees a little more resilient.
Dave Lund Tree Service & Forestry Co. Ltd. provides clients with full tree services, from tree pruning to pest control. When you want quality care for your trees, give us a call. We use cutting-edge equipment and employ ISA-certified arborists to provide your trees with the care they deserve.
Drop us a line at (905) 775-1020 or visit our contact page for tree service contractors who’ll do the job right. Let us know how we can help you.