How Do You Clean Up a Storm Damaged Tree?

How Do You Clean Up a Storm Damaged Tree
Storm-damaged trees can be quite dangerous to live around and get rid of. While it is necessary to remove the stubs, there are precautions that must be kept in mind while doing so. If there is no immediate storm damage, there are some small actions that can be taken up by you, as listed below.

Pruning Broken Branches

There is a simple procedure to follow when you want to prune the affected branches. The remains can be eradicated easily as long as you watch carefully. Essentially, the aim is to keep pruning until you reach the point where the smaller branch would join the bigger branch. For larger branches, the main part, the crux of the tree, must be cut. We recommend carrying this exercise out with professional help, as it can be quite complex. If not performed correctly, it may damage the tree further and reduce its circulation.

Pruning Trees

Pruning is the process of purposely removing branches from the whole tree. It is a useful process, but it is also important to remember that too much of it can kill your trees. While pruning, you must go through the process gently.

Bind Tree Wounds

Damaged or half-broken branches are more susceptible to further damage if not treated on time. If you don’t plan on cutting branches out or if it isn’t possible, the better solution is to carve out the edges and smoothen its surface with the help of a handy knife. Keep in mind, however, that the cambium (green in colour) is not damaged as it is important in keeping the circulation of food and water going within.

Tree Topping

Before we discuss how topping impacts trees, it helps in understanding what exactly it means. Topping is what happens when the tree’s branches are cut into small stubs of branches. This mishap decreases the amount of foliage, thus limiting the lifespan of the tree.

Since the process of repair on these trees can be tedious, we recommend hiring a professional service for this. Also, financially this is a better solution as many tree care professionals possess liability insurance. Either way, if you have even a little bit of doubt about the process, call for help immediately. In any of these scenarios, you must call a professional for help;

  • If the tree’s crowns are uneven and the limbs are broken
  • If you can see the roots
  • If you notice any huge split in the tree
  • If you can see holes or any kind of decay in the tree and its roots
  • If you find that the root plate has lifted up

Speaking about Melbourne in particular, here are some common recorded scenarios that have occurred, and what to do in these situations;

If/when a utility line is down:

  1. Make sure, first and foremost, that you’ve maintained a considerable distance from the fallen line. These might still be charged with electricity. Immediately dial up the company and wait patiently, ensuring you have no contact with the lines at all. This cannot be stressed enough.
  1. Important to note that the fallen lines could be hidden in a bush or a tree nearby, so keep your distance.
  1. If you find that any telecommunication lines are now in contact with the fallen branches, ensure that you stay far away and call for professional care.

If you plan to remove a tree branch yourself:

  • Understand the dimensions of the tree first. If its size is overwhelming, call for help. In general, we’d recommend calling for professional help, but smaller trees repairs, with considerable safety, is possible without professional care. Keep in mind though, do not use a ladder.
  • While examining the tree, measure its length properly and check its shape. If you notice the trunk having any signs of decay, you may need to step down and bring professional help as this will take a lot more effort.
  • As mentioned before, check around for any kind of unnecessary commodity; wires, plants, tools etc., that may hinder your work and interrupt it as well.
  • If the wood is under pressure either up or down, do not cut it. This is dangerous.
  • Anticipate a falling tree and ensure you have a plan ready in case it happens.
  • Do not use a chainsaw for tree removal, even if you’re highly experienced.

While a lot of the situations look like they can be managed individually, we would recommend seeking a professional for the job. Not only are you more likely to protect the environment around you, but also your own health and safety.

Tree Kings is one of the most reliable tree service contractors in Melbourne. They offer a range of tree services, including emergency storm damage removal services, so you can trust the team for any tree care service. Do not hesitate! Call them for more information about their services.