Natural disasters and catastrophes happen without us being able to do anything about them except hope for the best and wait them out. Those disasters can have devastating effects on the surrounding environment and can leave their mark on the surrounding parks, houses, roads, and bridges.
One especially important consequence of storms is ripped trees, tree trunks, and branches blocking roads and often bridges (which cause floods), damaging houses, and generally posing a threat to the people living nearby.
Normally, these trees and branches would simply decompose over time, but the habitat of humans does not tolerate having this much debris as it affects day-to-day life and can cause harm to the infrastructure of the town, blocking the sewer system and causing damage to the electrical installation.
So, in the text below, we’ll discuss what steps to take to remove those trees and how to deal with damaged trees in the aftermath of a storm.
Assessing the Damage
First and foremost, in the aftermath of a storm, we’ll have to make a meticulous assessment of the damage done, not only to the environment but also to the trees, which are still alive as broken branches hanging from the trees can still pose a serious threat to passing vehicles and even people.
Start by surveying the entire area, slowly and carefully, and while doing so, pay special attention to broken branches, split trunks, and uprooted roots. You’ll have to make a distinction between superficial damage which might be solved with regular pruning, and severe structural damage, which might compromise the tree’s stability.
Trees, though they seem stable and in good health, in the aftermath of a storm can easily fall over. Cracks, exposed roots, and major limb damage are good indicators of the tree’s state, even though it seems healthy and stable. Also, make photographs and gather evidence that might be useful in future insurance claims you can make.
Ensuring Safety
After you’ve assessed the damage done to the surroundings and found defective trees that might pose a threat to the environment, vehicles, and passers you’ll have to secure the area and ensure safety. You can use yellow or red tape to mark the spot; you can remove some of the branches or smaller parts of the trunk of the tree.
If you see any cables or installations being ripped apart by the tree, please don’t try to handle it on your own and immediately contact the utility company to handle the issue at hand.
Put up any sign for passengers or vehicles to inform them that there might be safety risks involved within the area, and call the fire department, the police, and other entities to prevent any risk factors.
Deciding Between Repair and Removal
In the aftermath of a storm, the trees left can be divided into two categories: the ones you might be able to save and the ones that pose a serious threat to anybody nearby and need to be removed completely.
This service is often provided by nearby companies, which are quite common in areas prone to storms and natural disasters. You can always look for nearby local companies, for example, tree services in Atlanta or any other city, and the number of contractors gives you a bit of variety to choose from.
Usually, the services provided, besides tree trimming, stump grinding, and tree removal, also include the estimation of the damage and the careful handling of the consequences. Contractors like these are often professionals with the right tools and knowledge and have the means to prevent further damage.
They’ll tell you whether or not the trees in your backyard are for removal or can be saved with a few stitches. You’ll have to decide quickly, though, as even trees, if left unattended long enough, might pose a threat and become a risk factor.
Providing Aftercare
After the storm, aftercare should be provided to the trees by watering them, binding any loose branches or parts of the tree, and making sure parts of the trunks and splitters are not a hazard to passengers nearby or you. Of course, providing aftercare for people who might be injured goes without saying.
It’s implied and a basic human instinct we need to follow. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilizing should be done cautiously, as stressed trees may not respond well to additional nutrients immediately after a storm.
Monitoring Tree Health
Of course, after you’ve taken all the necessary steps, from assessing the damage to calling professionals to deal with the broken trees and providing aftercare, the only thing left is to monitor the tree’s health over time. Slowly and gradually, keep track of the tree and watch for signs of distress, disease, or anything unusual.
Some indicators might be wilting, discoloration, or fungal growth. Regular check-ups should be done, let’s say every week at least once, as changes will show in the aftermath of the storm. If the trees look healthy and stable in the first two months following the accident, you can take a break, as it’s highly unlikely that will change later on.
One more thing, if you see any bird nests or squirrels in the tree, try to remove debris and make sure the natural habitat of these animals is back to normal.
Believe it or not, the inseparable relationship these animals have with the tree can also affect the tree’s well-being and theirs as well, as all this functions like a well-oiled machine, and the ecosystem depends on it.
Trees are Earth’s most persistent soldiers, and have a crucial role when it comes to fostering the fragile ecosystem of the planet. They provide shade, and oxygen and are a natural habitat for many animals and microorganisms.
They are essential for the planet and should be treated accordingly. Making sure the trees in your backyard or even on the road are safe and sound in the aftermath of the storm is essential for the life of the tree and everybody nearby.