Storm Damaged Tree Removal – Repairs And Cost Implications

A variety of storms occur each year in the United States. These range from thunderstorms, ice storms, hailstorms, snowstorms, wind storms, and blizzard storms.

Also common are hurricanes and tornadoes. When these occur, there’s a significant loss of property and sometimes even lives.

Storm Tree Damage

One of the most common observable damage is that done to trees. After storm damage to trees, what remains is to have the damaged tree removed. This is the focus of our discussion.

If you’re faced with a similar situation, you’ll want to find out how this natural occurrence necessitates tidying up or taking remedial action.

Types of Storm Damage To Trees

When a storm sweeps by, it leaves in its wake a variety of destructive conditions ranging from fallen, uprooted, or broken trees.

Others include hanging or broken branches, leaning trees, peeling, shredded or stripped tree barks, uprooting, loss of leaves, as well as cracks seen in branches or trunks of trees.

In some situations, tree limbs may be torn off completely. All of these conditions are quite common during a storm. The level of damage only becomes more obvious after the storm.

The survival and health of a tree after a storm is largely determined by the level of damage it suffers.

Trees that lose a minor limb or two are likely to fully recover. For those who lose a significant portion of their limbs, they could either die off or get toppled over when the next storm comes by.

This is because they’re already weakened by the initial storm.

Who Should Perform Storm Tree Removal?

A lot of DIY enthusiasts are often quick to handle post-storm tree removal jobs themselves.

While they may be successful to some degree in getting the job done, the level of efficiency is never comparable to a professional. As a DIY’er, you might be able to cut down on cost by doing the job yourself.

While this is true, there are lots of advantages that come with hiring a pro. So, what are these advantages and how do they measure up against the experience of handling the job yourself?

Tree removal services not only help in removing affected trees but also assess the health of other trees on your property.

The area is completely cleared of all debris after the removal job. As such, no mess is left behind. In terms of efficiency, tree removal services are much better than any other option.

Apart from a great deal of expertise they have, tree removal services are also fully equipped.

This makes the tree removal process much faster compared to DIY removal. Expert recommendations are also given by the experts on tree maintenance.

Tree maintenance actions like pruning are recommended by the pros.

Mild, Moderate, and Severe Storm Damage to Trees

The severity of a storm always has a bearing on the level of damage to trees. In other words, the damage condition is often similar to how severe the storm is.

For example, in a mild to moderate storm condition, the damage to trees is likely to be mild to moderate. In this case, not much destruction is caused.

However, in cases where the storm is severe, it’s logical to expect significant damage to trees. So, when calling for professional tree removal, the condition on the ground will determine what action(s) to be taken.

For a more comprehensive understanding, let’s discuss tree removal concerning the above storm conditions.

  • Mild to Moderate Storm Damaged Tree Removal

As expected, a mild to moderate storm condition might do some damage to trees.

However, such damage will be nothing compared to conditions of severe storms. Under the mild to moderate type of storm, the type of damage is mostly the loss of tree limbs as well as broken branches.

Here, removal will entail having affected branches pruned and fallen branches removed. The pruning of tree branches will be necessary to help improve and make the healing process faster.

This also prevents attacks from pests as well as tree diseases and infections.

  • Severe Storm Damaged Tree Removal

Professional tree removal services have to deal with a lot more damage after a severe storm. Here, a tree might lose significant parts of its canopy.

This is in addition to split trunks as well as leaning or fallen trees. There’s no remedying these types of conditions. The logical action to take here is the complete removal of affected trees.

Such trees are unlikely to heal, and even if they do, they pose a hazard due to weakening from the storm. The next storm is likely to have them toppling over.

Tree Down From Storm? Heavy Equipment May Be Used

When removing storm-damaged trees, heavy equipment may have to be mobilized to the site.

Some of these heavy equipment includes cranes, chippers, as well as grapples among others. For clients who are concerned about the likely damage to their landscape, specialized equipment such as mats is used.

Such mats help even out the weight of heavy equipment over the landscape, thus causing minimal damage.

It’s important to discuss and communicate any unique needs you have to the tree removal service as this helps in improving job satisfaction.

Tree Assessment is Vital

One of the key benefits you get by calling a professional is an assessment of your tree(s) condition.

Sometimes, the storm-inflicted damage on trees isn’t so visible, especially to the untrained eye. With the help of an expert, such defects and damage are easily identified.

Plus, you’re protected from future issues that could result when a damaged tree suddenly gives way. More importantly, the health of your trees is properly assessed and maintained.

Your Inexperience Could Cost You

If you’re DIY inclined, then you’ll need to know the dangers posed by removing storm-damaged trees yourself. You expose yourself to a lot of hazards especially when untrained.

First, there’s the problem of slippery ground. Using a chain saw under such conditions could lead to fatality.

A tree could be leaning on a power line. This type of situation has led to electrocutions and could happen in your situation. The lack of equipment which is common with all homeowners also places you at a disadvantage.

Storm damaged tree removal is a delicate process that requires the right degree of expertise to perform an excellent job.  As always, we recommend working with a professional to get the best service possible.

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