With strong winds, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall, hurricane season is a significant concern for homeowners in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Over the last couple of years, Texas has experienced a significant impact from hurricanes leading to the destruction of property and trees. To avoid this, you should prepare for the possibility of harsh weather this hurricane season.
Ensuring your home is ready for the season is critical. However, don’t forget to prepare your trees too. Here are some tips on how to prepare your trees for the season.
Improve Tree Stability
Trees that don’t have stable footing may not be able to withstand intense winds. Specifically, trees with roots above the ground can be at high risk for damage or being completely uprooted during hurricane season. It is important to assess a tree’s stability starting with the roots.
Because you can increase your tree’s stability through watering and fertilizing, you should water your trees regularly. Organic mulch is also essential as it prevents the growth of weeds and preserves moisture levels around the trees.
Another tip to ensure your trees are stable is to enhance root health. Roots provide trees with necessary soil nutrients to make them stable. Thus, deep root fertilizing is necessary to boost the roots with nutrients and also improves soil aeration.
Occasionally, trees require cabling and bracing techniques to be able to withstand high winds. If the tree’s health and stability cannot be attained, removal may be the only option.
Check Trees For Internal Decay
Trees begin to rot when they have health issues. Unfortunately, tree rot can be difficult if not impossible to detect at an early stage because decay occurs deep within the trunk and branch systems. Here are signs that may indicate internal decay in the trees.
- Fungal bodies such as mushrooms grow on the tree’s bark.
- Check for hollow areas in the bark.
- Check for spots the tree has no bark.
- Insect accumulation is a sign of internal decay as insects will feed on deteriorating wood.
Because of the complexity of tree diseases, it’s best to have your trees checked by a professional. Tree care professionals can properly diagnose and treat your trees helping ensure they are ready for severe storm conditions.
Consider Trimming Your Trees
Pruning trees before hurricane season is also key. It’s worth noting that pruning often reveals unseen tree problems including tree stress. It also can help identify tree diseases that lead to decay and might increase the possibility of trees falling or losing limbs.
Another benefit of trimming your trees is that broken branches can be safely removed. Removing these dangerous tree limbs minimizes the chances of property damage from your trees. Having your trees assessed and trimmed by a tree care professional ensures your trees are not improperly pruned or damaged in the process.
Wrap Tree Trunks With Protective Material
Another way to protect your trees from the impact of hurricanes is to use protective wraps on the trunks. A burlap wrap around the trunk of your trees provides protection to the tree’s base during a storm.
Properly applied, a tree wrap protects the trunk from damage caused by flying debris and objects during a hurricane. Additionally, the wrapping can be repurposed after the storm to clean up debris.
Plant Trees That Can Withstand Hurricanes
As stated, storms cause massive destruction. Thus, planting strong-rooted, wind-resistant trees can help counter a major storm. Hurricane-resistant tree options include Bald Cypress and Southern Magnolia varieties.
Consult an Arborist
There are many things to look for to prepare your trees for hurricane season, and consulting a tree care expert is vital. A certified arborist will inspect your trees and determine what they need to withstand the intense winds and severe weather that can occur during hurricane season.
In addition, a tree expert will advise you on the correct way to care for the trees. They will inform you of the best trees to plant in your area. With the help of an arborist, you can be at peace knowing you’ve taken proper safety measures.
Since Texas is a hurricane-prone region, homeowners need to be prepared. Your trees should be routinely inspected by a tree care professional to assess their health and ensure stability during severe weather events. After an intense storm, it is best practice to have your trees inspected by a tree professional for any signs of damage from the weather and to keep them healthy.
