The Top Ten Tips for Weathering The Storm Season
“Before the storm:
1. Develop a relationship with a certified arborist or tree care professional.
This will give you time to pick and choose the right company in your area. When a storm hits, you'll likely be prioritized as an existing customer. Here are 10 questions you should ask when interviewing tree service companies.
2. Conduct a pre-storm assessment. Identify trouble spots before a storm hits.
Some potential hazards to look for on your property:
o Cracks in tree trunks or major limbs
o Hollow, aged and decayed trees
o One-sided or significantly leaning trees
o Branches leaning more than 45 degrees over the roof
o Anything in close proximity to utility lines
o Shelf-like fungus or mushrooms
o Trees with dangerous leans
*Note: Several of these features may suggest that the tree may be suffering from a condition called heart rot or possibly buckling under its own weight, and causing danger.
3. Take measures to prevent damage.
After assessing possible hazards to your property, you and/or your arborist may need to take any number of measures to limit potential damage.
o Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs
o Have leaning trees inspected and consider removing those with large cavities
o Prune branches too close to your house and over the street
o Check your gutters, and remove debris to prevent water damage. Many STIHL blowers can use optional gutter attachments.
o Call a professional to assess and potentially remove any within close proximity to utility lines; DO NOT attempt to do this yourself
During the storm:
4. Don't try to be a hero.
Your property is not more important than your life and the lives of your loved ones. Prepare in advance, follow guidelines for evacuations, and don't hesitate to get assistance.
After The Storm:
5. Put safety first.
It's important to protect yourself as well as your property.
o Be on the alert. Stay away from utility lines and keep an eye out for dangers both up in hanging branches and down on damaged trunks.
o Broken limbs may still be lodged in trees, but can easily and unexpectedly fall. Loggers call these "widow-makers."
o Look for trees leaning against or touching downed phone lines or power lines– a tree in contact with a power line, and the ground at the base of the tree, can be energized and dangerous.
o When in doubt, call your arborist (See #8 below)
o If you're skilled enough to do work yourself, suit up properly, wear the proper attire and protective equipment. Many times we see newscasts of people wearing shorts and flip-flops to clean up storm damage. This is not what you should be wearing to do this type of work.
o Follow the guidelines in your instruction manual for any power equipment you're using.
6. Evaluate tree damage.
Evaluate your trees carefully by asking the following:
o Other than storm damage, is the tree basically healthy?
o Are major limbs and/or the leader branch still remaining?
o Is at least 50 percent of the tree's crown still intact?
o Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure?
If you answer "yes" to the majority of these questions, there is a good chance the tree can be saved. When in doubt, consult a professional.” Read more at http://www.stihlusa.com/information/articles/tips-for-tree-care-and-storms/
1. Develop a relationship with a certified arborist or tree care professional.
This will give you time to pick and choose the right company in your area. When a storm hits, you'll likely be prioritized as an existing customer. Here are 10 questions you should ask when interviewing tree service companies.
2. Conduct a pre-storm assessment. Identify trouble spots before a storm hits.
Some potential hazards to look for on your property:
o Cracks in tree trunks or major limbs
o Hollow, aged and decayed trees
o One-sided or significantly leaning trees
o Branches leaning more than 45 degrees over the roof
o Anything in close proximity to utility lines
o Shelf-like fungus or mushrooms
o Trees with dangerous leans
*Note: Several of these features may suggest that the tree may be suffering from a condition called heart rot or possibly buckling under its own weight, and causing danger.
3. Take measures to prevent damage.
After assessing possible hazards to your property, you and/or your arborist may need to take any number of measures to limit potential damage.
o Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs
o Have leaning trees inspected and consider removing those with large cavities
o Prune branches too close to your house and over the street
o Check your gutters, and remove debris to prevent water damage. Many STIHL blowers can use optional gutter attachments.
o Call a professional to assess and potentially remove any within close proximity to utility lines; DO NOT attempt to do this yourself
During the storm:
4. Don't try to be a hero.
Your property is not more important than your life and the lives of your loved ones. Prepare in advance, follow guidelines for evacuations, and don't hesitate to get assistance.
After The Storm:
5. Put safety first.
It's important to protect yourself as well as your property.
o Be on the alert. Stay away from utility lines and keep an eye out for dangers both up in hanging branches and down on damaged trunks.
o Broken limbs may still be lodged in trees, but can easily and unexpectedly fall. Loggers call these "widow-makers."
o Look for trees leaning against or touching downed phone lines or power lines– a tree in contact with a power line, and the ground at the base of the tree, can be energized and dangerous.
o When in doubt, call your arborist (See #8 below)
o If you're skilled enough to do work yourself, suit up properly, wear the proper attire and protective equipment. Many times we see newscasts of people wearing shorts and flip-flops to clean up storm damage. This is not what you should be wearing to do this type of work.
o Follow the guidelines in your instruction manual for any power equipment you're using.
6. Evaluate tree damage.
Evaluate your trees carefully by asking the following:
o Other than storm damage, is the tree basically healthy?
o Are major limbs and/or the leader branch still remaining?
o Is at least 50 percent of the tree's crown still intact?
o Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure?
If you answer "yes" to the majority of these questions, there is a good chance the tree can be saved. When in doubt, consult a professional.” Read more at http://www.stihlusa.com/information/articles/tips-for-tree-care-and-storms/
Start Cleaning
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The storm has already passed and it’s now time to start the cleaning process. Before you take any actions you must first assess your property for any obvious structural damage. Note any missing shingles, broken windows or any damage that you can see, no matter how minor you think they are. It will help you protect yourself from any dangers that comes after a storm and also keep your family safe. Watch out for any potential hazard around you like toxic materials falling debris and sharp objects. These are some simple steps that you can follow to keep yourself safe and healthy during the cleanup process.
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