I was conducting a hurricane evaluation for a client recently and a question came up. How do I hurricane-proof my trees? Many clients have the same goal of tree preservation along with home protection. My first reaction was to commend the client for thinking proactively as opposed to reactively when it comes to their tree care. The truth is, most indigenous trees, if properly maintained, should perform without failure during a wind event. The key is eliminating pre-existing conditions which lead to tree failure.
Following Hurricane Ike that struck the Houston area in 2008, insurance carriers commissioned a study to analyze the claims they paid. One Houston company discovered that roughly 50% of all structural loses were caused by fallen trees and tree limbs. However, this insurer went one step further and hired an arborist to inspect the trees and determine why the failure had occurred. That high winds caused the tree failures was not the surprise, the surprise was 100% of the sampled trees exhibited pre-existing health and/or structural conditions which served as the catalyst to the tree’s failure. Of the sampled properties, there was not a single healthy tree which failed. As a result, many arborists, myself included, believe most tree losses can be avoided with proper identification and treatment of pre-existing symptoms and regularly scheduled maintenance.
So now that we know tree failures can be avoided, what are the steps to take to protect trees and structures? Tree conditions can be very difficult to diagnose. Although a hollow trunk can still support a full crown, the tree is still a hazard. This is when an arborist with experience in risk assessment is vital to proper diagnosis. Regularly scheduled maintenance by a tree care provider with an arborist on staff, not a landscaper or lawn service, can help you head into this and future hurricane seasons with confidence your trees and home will be protected.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) provides a list of certified arborists in your area to aid in selecting a tree service. Take the appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate potential tree hazards prior to the next storm. Use an arborist to assist you in this risk assessment process and with all your tree service needs.
Comments