The residents of Manassas and other areas in Prince William, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties had to deal with flooding as a result of Tropical Depression Ida. For many homeowners, their yard trees took quite a beating from the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. In fact, some of these trees may not recover if the proper steps are not taken to undo the effects of the storm damage. Damage to trees may also be the result of lightning, strong winds, or even freezing rain or ice.
How to assess a damaged tree
If your tree does sustain damage, the first step is to assess the severity. If it’s an unexpected storm that damaged your tree (like a hurricane), it’s likely that one or more branches have broken off. If the damage is minor, you can wait for the tree to heal on its own and then cover the broken branch with a cable to strengthen the crown.
Causes of storm damage in Prince William County
A tree can be damaged in many ways. One common way is the tree being struck by lightning and having to act as an earthing element, which could lead to a near-collapse or near-complete destruction of the tree. If the tree has been struck by lightning, then you need to assess if it is still attached to the ground. If it is not, then you must consider taking action to remove it immediately. If the tree is still attached to the ground, then you need to assess whether or not the tree needs urgent attention.
Another common way is a storm carrying a lot of wind and rain, which can cause branches to break off. After a storm in Manassas, VA, trees may become so damaged that they need to be removed. While this is not always the case, a wait-and-see approach is not the best to go. Bear in mind that pests see an opening in a tree as an invitation to settle in, which is harmful to the tree.
Professional storm cleanup services
Storm damage inspection Northern Virginia
It may be possible to save the tree by assessing the damage and taking care of the tree’s wounds. Some of the things to look out for when assessing your trees in Manassas, VA include:
- Hanging or broken branches
- Splits in tree branches
- Holes, splits, or cavities in the tree trunk
- Entire tree leaning
Arborists can help you determine if a tree needs to be removed. This is why we recommend that you call a professional arborist in Manassas, VA when you find broken limbs on your tree for proper healing and safety. Generally, if your tree lost more than 50% of its top, it may have to be removed. In contrast, If at least 50% of the canopy is undamaged, it can stay afloat without help from your local arborist.
Storm damage restoration: How to repair a damaged tree
The best approach for repairing a damaged tree will largely depend on the kind of damage you are dealing with.
Repair broken branches
When dealing with tree injuries like broken tree limbs, you can prune any small, broken branches to prevent further damage. You could also cable between weakened branches to strengthen crowns.
Split Forks are often used to fix damaged branches. Split forks consist of two pieces that should be inserted into the broken branch and then tightened with a wrench. This will help prevent the branch from breaking into smaller pieces.
Cable Splices are another option that can be used to strengthen damaged branches. They consist of two steel wires that are attached to each end of the branch. The wires are then used to tie the branch to other branches that are strong enough to support it.
When dealing with larger injuries, you can make a splint out of a board and a pair of 2×4’s. Cut the 2×4’s in half to make two pieces that are long enough to span the width of the branch. Then, tie them together using a cable splice.
Repairing a broken trunk
A different approach is needed when you are dealing with a broken trunk. The best way to repair a broken trunk is by cleaning the wound and cutting away any loose bark. Then seal in place with a coat of wood glue. If done right, the wound will heal itself through the growth of callus tissue.
If a tree trunk has a wound that is larger than 1½ to 2 inches in diameter, this can be treated with wound dressings or pruning paint. Recent research has shown that dressings and paints probably do not increase the rate of healing, but may prevent drying out for a better cosmetic effect.
Repairing a torn bark
A torn bark can cause harm to the tree’s health and should be removed as soon as possible. To remove the bark, you can use a knife to cut around the damaged area and push inwards towards the tree’s trunk. Carefully cut all loose bark back to the area where it is solidly attached. Trimming in this manner will encourage rapid healing with minimal decay
Homeowners insurance covers tree removal
Homeowners insurance covers tree removal in case of a storm that has damaged your trees. Storms have a huge impact on tree damage that could be expensive to deal with. If your tree is damaged during a storm, contact your homeowner or renter’s insurance company to file a claim for good measure. Because good tree care is straightforward and relatively inexpensive, you can expect a quick response from your insurer.
What is the best way to prepare for a storm?
It’s really important to assess which trees are more vulnerable to damage before a storm occurs. This will save you a lot of money and effort that you would otherwise spend on storm damage repair and storm cleanup. Dead wood, decaying areas, and weak limbs could lead to more trees falling or becoming damaged during a storm.
Proper tree maintenance will help prevent tree falls during storms. For instance, thinning out the canopy can help prevent tree falls and ensure the safety of your family and the property. Tree services for storm preparation also include removing dead or damaged limbs, as well as pruning and potentially installing cabling and bracing for weak trees.
Storm damage cleanup Manassas VA
Storm cleanup services in Manassas VA
Storm damage cleanup involves clearing debris from the property and removing damaged trees. A storm cleanup will also include clearing up the mess left behind by a storm, including personal items and debris from buildings, vehicles or other structures.
Storm cleanup is best left to a professional tree service company for the best results. This is because of the safety hazards, access issues, and difficulty in working on unsafe or damaged structures. Storm damage cleanup also helps protect your home from storm damage. The last thing you want after a storm is to have a damaged tree fall on your house, for example.
Genesis Tree Service provides safe and efficient storm damage restoration and cleanup services in Manassas, VA. Get in touch with us and let’s save your trees from storm damage and get your yard looking good as new again.
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