Recovering From the Storm: Tree Care Tips for Arlington Residents

Storms can wreak havoc on trees, even after the initial damage is rectified. Recovering requires a careful and systemic approach to prevent future issues, such as disease and poor structural integrity. In this guide, we share tips to help Arlington residents care for their trees before and after storm damage.

Pre-Storm Preparation Tips

Image by Raychel Sanner via Unsplash

Before severe weather strikes, take proactive steps to protect your trees and property. Here are some pre-storm preparation tips:

• Assess Tree Health: Regularly inspect your trees for signs of disease, decay, or structural weakness. Address any issues promptly to minimize risk.
• Pruning and Maintenance: Trim tree branches that are too close to rooftops or power lines to reduce the risk of debris damage. Thinning the tree’s crown also promotes airflow, which can improve its resilience in strong winds.
• Soil Maintenance: Ensure proper soil drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Adding organic mulch around trees helps regulate soil moisture and improves overall soil health.
• Lightning Protection: Install a lightning protection system to help dissipate electrical charges safely into the ground, reducing the risk of tree damage.
• Select Weather-Resistant Trees: Choose tree species that are resilient to high winds and severe weather conditions. Options such as oak, sweetbay, sweetgum, and bald cypress are suitable choices for Arlington’s climate.

Post-Storm Recovery Steps for Arlington Residents

After the storm, it’s important to promptly address tree damage. Here are some steps to take:

• Assess Tree Damage: Carefully inspect each tree for broken branches, split trunks, or uprooting. Even if the damage seems minor, underlying issues could compromise tree health.
• Remove Hazardous Debris: Clear away dangerous debris, including hanging limbs or fallen branches. Professionals should handle this cleanup if the damage is extensive or poses a risk.
• Prune Damaged Branches: Prune broken or damaged branches to prevent decay and promote healthier regrowth. Do this with precision to avoid causing additional stress to the tree.
• Support Young Trees: Check young trees for alignment issues caused by strong winds. Staking may be necessary to correct any tilting and help them grow straight.
• Restore Soil and Mulch: Replenish mulch around the trees to help the soil retain moisture and protect the roots. Avoid piling mulch against the tree trunks to prevent rot.
• Water and Fertilize: After the storm, water trees thoroughly but carefully to help them recover from stress. Consider applying fertilizer to replenish nutrients lost due to damaged roots and foliage.
• Monitor Tree Health: Keep an eye on the trees over the following months for signs of stress or decline, such as discolored leaves or dieback. Early detection of these symptoms can help save them.

Professional Storm Damage Tree Care in Arlington, Texas

ISA certified arborists can detect subtle signs of distress in trees that may go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Neglecting these issues can exacerbate tree stress, leading to diseases, pests, and fungi, which could be fatal over time. At TreeNewal, our professional team can address immediate damage to maintain the long-term health of your trees. For comprehensive tree care solutions or to request a consultation, contact us today.