Storms can cause major damage to homes and properties when trees are not properly maintained. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), falling trees and tree branches cause an average of $5 billion in property damage every year in the United States. In fact, the third leading cause of household damage claims is fallen trees during wind and hail events.
Proper tree trimming and maintenance is essential to help minimize storm damage and keep your home protected. Trimming removes dead or dying branches that can easily break off and fall during high winds. It also removes branches that overhang your house, which could crash through the roof or siding when weighed down by rain, ice or snow. Taking preventative steps to care for your trees before severe weather hits can reduce safety hazards and prevent costly repairs.
Why Tree Trimming Matters
Proper tree trimming is one of the most important preventative measures you can take to avoid damage to your home and property during a storm. Overgrown trees with excessive branches present major risks in high winds. When branches break off or entire trees topple over, they can smash into your house, vehicles, power lines, and anything else in their path. Trimming removes dead, damaged, and hazardous limbs so the tree is less susceptible to breaking and falling. It helps prevent the tree from becoming too heavy on one side as well.
A well-trimmed tree is much less likely to cause damage or create dangerous situations in a storm. The strategic removal of certain branches makes the tree more wind-resistant. It’s like giving the tree a “haircut” so wind can blow through easier without catching so much surface area. Proper trimming improves structure and balance for a healthier, safer tree. Investing in regular trimming provides effective protection year after year against the threats of storm damage. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind knowing your property is better prepared to withstand the next big storm.
Reduces Risk of Power Outage
Keeping trees properly trimmed reduces the risk of power outages during storms. When trees grow too close to power lines, their branches can break and fall onto the lines during high winds. This disrupts electrical service as the weight of the fallen branches pulls down power lines.
Power outages from downed trees are common during major storms. For example, millions of homes lost power across the northeastern US and Canada during an October 2011 snowstorm. Most of the outages were caused by snow-covered tree branches falling onto power lines.
Proper tree trimming creates space between a tree’s canopy and nearby power lines. Arborists recommend a minimum clearance of 10 feet for small trees and 15 feet for large trees around electrical wires. Pruning trees away from power lines removes the risk of branches falling and interrupting service. It also allows utility crews to access and repair any damage after a storm.
Preventative tree trimming before storm season is key to avoiding weather-related power outages. Keeping trees trimmed is an essential part of storm preparation and protecting your home during severe weather events.
Prevents Damage to Your Home
Falling branches can cause major damage to your home during a storm. Untrimmed trees have branches that can easily snap or get weighed down with ice and snow. These falling branches can break windows, puncture your roof, and damage siding.
It’s not uncommon for falling branches to even crush parked cars, damage fencing, or collapse a deck. The larger the branch, the more destruction it can potentially cause. Trimming branches regularly helps remove dead or weak limbs before they become a hazard. It also lightens the tree’s crown, reducing the risk of breakage in wind, ice, or heavy snow.
Proper tree trimming creates space between the branches and your home. This prevents broken branches from striking the house. It’s recommended to trim back branches at least 10 feet from the roof and 6 feet from the chimney, garage, and driveway. For optimal protection, trim trees annually before storm season arrives. Taking preventative measures with tree trimming can save you from very costly home repairs down the road.
Makes Trees Healthier
Proper trimming encourages new growth and allows the tree to thrive. When trees are trimmed regularly, it directs the growth upwards and outwards, opening the canopy to sunlight. This sunlight fuels photosynthesis, which produces the nutrients the tree needs.
Trimming also removes dead, dying, and diseased branches. These branches sap energy from the tree, so removing them lightens the load and further supports healthy growth. Additionally, trimming helps maintain the tree’s natural shape and structure. Without trimming, branches can become overly heavy and split or break. This type of damage makes the tree vulnerable to insects and disease. With regular trimming, trees look and function at their best. They convert more sunlight to energy, resist damage, and have the resources to grow lush foliage and strong wood. Overall, trimming is like getting a haircut – it neatens up the tree’s appearance while promoting vigor and vitality.
Conclusion
Trimming your trees before storm season is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. As we’ve discussed, it reduces the risk of power outages, prevents damage to your home, makes trees healthier, improves the appearance of your landscape, and increases your property value.
When trees are trimmed properly and on a regular schedule, they become less susceptible to damage from high winds, heavy rain, ice, and snow. Their branches are less likely to break and fall during severe weather if they are thinned out and shortened. A pruned tree is a resilient tree.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – get your trees trimmed now to protect your home and family this storm season. Contact a certified arborist to assess your trees and perform professional trimming services. The small investment you make today could end up saving you thousands in emergency repairs down the road. Don’t let your beautiful trees become a liability. Trim them now and rest easy knowing your property is prepared to weather the storm.