Storm Hazard Warning Signs for Gulf Coast Trees
When you see the large trees in your yard, do you find yourself questioning whether they will make it through the next major storm? The thought of a hurricane from the Gulf sending branches into your roof can be unsettling. And are you certain of what to be on the lookout for once the wind picks up?
For those with such concerns, this is where you want to be. We are South Coast Outdoor Services, LLC, a tree service of local ownership and operation serving the Greater Mobile, AL area. Fully licensed and insured, we are at (251) 551-9627.
One has to put up with some stiff storms every year on the Gulf Coast. A tree that provides welcome shade on a quiet summer day is quite another matter when the weather turns; it can be a genuine hazard. The good news is a tree will usually show its hand before it gives way. With an eye for the warning signs, a problem can be nipped in the bud to safeguard your property and family.
What Puts Gulf Coast Trees at Risk
The kind of wind, downpour and waterlogged soil our region endures will tell on a tree. It may appear in fine fettle on a dry spell but let go of its hold as the ground softens. In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, the weak ones are the first to succumb to the winds.
Hence the importance of a thorough inspection here. You do not want to be addressing a risky tree after it has already made its way onto your house.
At the Trunk and Base
A tree’s health is written in the trunk and roots. Make a point of walking the grounds and examining the base of each tree on your property.
Things to be aware of:
- Deep splits or cracks along the trunk
- Fungus or mushrooms on the bark or at the base
- Wood that is soft or crumbles under a tap
- Roots pulling away from the ground or heaving the soil
- More of a lean to the trunk than was there before
- Bark that is peeling or missing in places
These are all indicators of a tree not as sound as it seems. A combination of a leaning trunk and disturbed soil is of particular note as it could be root failure.
In the Canopy and Branches
Then look overhead. Trouble will often manifest in the canopy first.
Be on the alert for:
- Limbs without leaves in the growing season
- Broken or half-hanging branches
- Big limbs overhanging the driveway or roof
- V shaped crotches where two trunks meet tightly and are prone to splitting
- Foliage that is thin or patchy in comparison
- Cracks at the junction of the trunk and a large branch
Even a light breeze makes dead and hanging limbs a danger. Put one in a storm and it is flying debris.
After the Rains
There is a lot of water in the soil in storm season and a wet ground will affect how a tree is supported. Give your trees a once over following heavy rain to see if any have taken on a lean or if the base looks like it has been moved. If a tree shifts after a rain it may not have the root power for the next bout of wind.
Make a Call to a Pro
You can spot some things for yourself, but not what is hidden high in the canopy or within the trunk. It is only too common for a homeowner to be unaware of the extent of a problem until a tree or limb has come down.
A professional should be called in to put a trained eye on it if you see any of the above. Should a storm have left you with fallen or damaged trees, leave the heavy lifting to us; we have 24/7 emergency service for that.
We are open seven to six Monday to Saturday for our residential and commercial clients in the Greater Mobile area, and for emergencies we are available around the clock. South Coast Outdoor Services, LLC also provides free estimates so as to give you an idea of how your trees are faring ahead of the next storm.
Why put off dealing with the trees around your home until the wind is up? Get in touch with us at (251) 551-9627 and we will see to any storm hazards for you.
