Having storm-damaged trees on your property does more than ruin your yard’s aesthetics. It also poses significant risks that could turn catastrophic without immediate attention.

For instance, broken limbs and a torn back can result in structural damage that increases the chances of injury and property damage. Fortunately, by assessing the damage your trees develop after a storm, you can formulate prompt solutions.

Read on to learn the steps you should take when assessing storm-damaged trees. We’ll also advise why you should turn to a reliable tree company in Altamonte Springs.

The Levels of Storm Damage

The damage trees experience during storms manifests in varying degrees. Experts have grouped storm damage into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild Damage

Mild storm damage often includes the loss of a few limbs. These limbs are usually not big enough to pose significant concerns. The damage might also include torn bark and broken branches.

Fortunately, with mild damage, your tree’s structural integrity will remain intact.

Moderate Damage

Moderate damage to trees entails the loss of significant limbs that could make your tree unstable. You might also experience hanging limbs that could pose future risks.

Severe Damage

Severely storm-damaged trees are those that lean dangerously or have been completely uprooted. In extreme cases, a huge limb could have crashed through a structure or might be leaning against power lines.

Assessing Storm-Damaged Trees

When assessing your storm-damaged tree, pay attention to four primary components: the crown, limbs, trunk, and roots. Remember to start from the bottom, working your way up.

Assess Damage to the Roots

Is your tree leaning to one side? Are its roots exposed. Is there cracked soil at its base on the opposite side of the lean?

If so, it’s likely a storm damaged your tree’s roots. Your tree might not be as structurally sound as it once was. It will need immediate attention from an arborist.

Assess Trunk Damage

Severe storms can bend or twist the trunk, sometimes causing visible cracks. These cracks can be severe problems because they leave the tree vulnerable to diseases. Additionally, since the trunk plays a significant role in the tree’s structure, cracks can weaken the tree.

Assess Limb Damage

It’s common to see broken or dangling branches or limbs after a storm. While this sight might not cause immediate concern, severely cracked or broken limbs require urgent attention.

Removing large dangling branches as soon as possible prevents accidents and long-term tree damage.

Assess Crown Damage

Finally, assess your tree’s branches, leaves, and other structures that extend from the trunk’s main stems.

If your tree has suffered more than 50% crown loss, it will need immediate attention from a certified arborist.

Emergency Storm Services

Are you dealing with storm-damaged trees? Get in touch with the experts we have at Ray’s Tree Service and enjoy quality emergency storm services. We can also help you know more about the common tree diseases to look out for.

Call us at (407) 326-4019 to book your appointment.