Portions of metro Atlanta’s tree-lined geography often feel the smack of hurricane season. Tropical systems can send pounding rain and blustery winds our way, even leaving uprooted trees andfallen limbs in their wake.

Just the right pre-storm preparation can help keep your trees and budget safer. The following are three main ways you can protect your trees before hurricane-induced weather comes to town.

Check for Deadwood

When winds prove heavy, deadwood is not your friend. Dead branches can snap with ease and have the ability to transform into heavy, falling debris.

How do you know if an area of a tree has become deadwood? During the summer, look for leafless branches within a fully leafed canopy. Pay close attention to branches that may be hanging over the roof of your home or near power lines.

Sometimes you can remove deadwood in smaller trees yourself. However, you’ll typically find deadwood in mature trees, and the spots are tough to reach. When it comes to deadwooding, accuracy is key, because you want to leave healthy tree tissue intact. Play it safe and lean on an expert to do the job.

Spot Structural & Root Defects

A tree’s roots serve as its natural anchor and a healthy overall structure keeps the tree strong. However, if either are compromised, it can make a tree seriously susceptible to storm damage. Be on the lookout for telltale signs around the root zone, soil line, and trunk.

Do you see trunk cracks? Is the tree leaning? What about any decay on the tree itself or shelf-like mushrooms at the tree’s base? Is the ground lifting around the roots? Say “yes” to any of those questions, and you should call a professional to assist.

First, make sure people and vehicles are out of the potential fall zone. Avoid trying to hold up a dangerous tree using DIY braces like ropes, wooden posts, straps, or metal poles.

 

Snap photos of your concerns and share them with Premier Tree Solutions as soon as possible. One of our professionals can make a tree risk assessment and suggest the appropriate action steps. This can range from supporting the structure to pre-storm tree removal.

Schedule a Pre-Storm Evaluation With a Specialist

Whether you have one or 100 trees on your property, it’s always a smart move to have a seasoned eye assess your trees before hurricane season. A qualified professional, such as those on the Premier Tree Solutions team, can give your landscape a thorough evaluation.

A property health check inspects your trees’ total health and structural integrity. Inspectors aim to catch early signs of disease, pests, decay, or structural weaknesses before severe weather creates safety hazards or irreversible damage. A Premier Tree Solutions inspection provides homeowners with an actionable care plan that promotes long-term tree longevity and prevents costly property hazards.

Help After the Storm

If a storm hits and you’re in need of tree removal, don’t hesitate to call Premier Tree Solutions and request the latest in tree removal technology. The company was the first in Georgia to own and use JAWS, a massive knuckle boom crane and grapple saw, which simplifies and provides maximum control of the entire tree removal process.

Before or After the Storm, Reach for Premier Tree Solutions

Premier Tree Solutions can advise you on how to best safeguard your trees before hurricane season hits. If you need help after the fact, we can help provide some calm after the storm. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.

Q&A Recap

How can I prepare and protect my trees for hurricane season in Atlanta?

Focus on three main steps: check for and remove heavy deadwood; inspect your trees for structural and root defects; and schedule a comprehensive pre-storm evaluation with a qualified professional like Premier Tree Solutions.

How do I identify deadwood on my trees before hurricane season?

During the summer, look for leafless branches within a fully leafed canopy. Pay special attention to dead branches hanging over your roof or near power lines.

What are the warning signs of structural and root defects in a tree?

Telltale signs of instability include deep trunk cracks; a sudden lean; decay on the trunk; shelf-like mushrooms at the base; and soil heaving (ground lifting around roots). If you spot these signs, clear people and vehicles from the fall zone immediately, take photos, and contact a professional such as Premier Tree Solutions for a tree risk assessment.

Can I prop up a leaning or unstable tree with ropes or posts?

No. You should avoid trying to hold up a dangerous tree using DIY braces like ropes, wooden posts, straps, or metal poles. Clear the area and call a professional immediately.

What is included in a Premier Tree Solutions pre-storm evaluation?

A property health check inspects your trees’ total health and structural integrity to catch early signs of disease, pests, decay, or structural weaknesses before severe weather hits. Premier Tree Solutions provides homeowners with an actionable care plan.