Central Kentucky usually gets at least one of the worst types of winter storms a year, an ice storm. When everything is coated in ice, it’s can be hazardous just to walk out the front door, and driving is simply treacherous. Another, less considered ice storm hazard is the accumulation of ice on tree branches, causing falling trees and branches.
Unlike snow which normally doesn’t adhere to the branches and trunk of a tree, freezing ice will accumulate and can increase the weight of branches by as much as 30 times. This extra weight places severe stress on the tree. Falling trees and branches damage homes, property and even cause electrical outages when they take out power lines. Tree fall incidents in ice storms often could have been avoided if the tree’s weaknesses had been spotted ahead of time. Property owners rarely think to inspect their trees before winter – it’s just not top of mind unless you’ve experienced damage from fallen tree branches before.
There are several areas in which to look for tree weaknesses, but four of the most common causes are considered below:
Dead Branches
The most common danger of tree weakness is when a dead branch falls. It’s not a matter of if, but when. The longer it stays up in the tree, the more it weakens from decay. Any dead branch that is large enough to cause damage or harm, should be removed immediately.
Leaning Trees
Just because a tree is leaning, it isn’t necessarily at risk of falling if its tilt is not pronounced and if it’s always been that way. If the tilt of a tree is noticeably increasing, there’s no doubt it’s going to fall. If you’ve just noticed a leaning tree on your property, then having it’s roots inspected will give you a good indication of its stability. If the ground on the opposite side of the lean is cracked or raised up, it means that the tree is in the process of toppling over. The ground is beginning to give way to the leverage created by weight of the leaning tree.
Construction Near a Tree
Construction requiring digging in the root zone of a tree has in all likelihood severed the roots of the tree. In addition to a tree’s roots primary function of seeking nutrients to grow, they also serve as anchorage for the tree. When the roots of the tree are severed, there is and increased danger of the tree falling. As you might image, falling branches pose no where near the danger that an entire fallen tree does. If you’ve had construction done near a tree you should always consult a professional to proactively assess the damage to the tree’s roots.
Multiple Tree Trunks
A large tree with more than one trunk is a problem because the area where they join together tends to be weak. This is especially true when the trunks join in a V-shape. If one or more of these trunks are leaning outward at a severe angle, they are at risk of falling in an ice storm.
Just a thin coating of ice can result in a travel nightmare, while heavier amounts will severely damage trees and power lines. Strong winds can add extra force to already weighted down tree branches and power lines, increasing the likelihood of significant damage.
Be safe this winter, have a professional inspect your trees for the above weaknesses. If any trees look questionable, they can advise you on whether and how your tree can be repaired or removed. Preventing injury, property damage and an unnecessary home insurance claim are your top priorities.
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