Atlantic Hurricane Season is at its peak which means it is important to be proactive about hazardous trees and shrubs on your property. Proper tree care and maintenance during this time of year is essential for the safety and protection of your home and family in New Jersey from the storm season.
Hurricane Season and Your Trees
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through the end of November. September and October are usually the peak months of activity for storms throughout the area which, in recent years, have left devastating wakes in their path. Colorado State University has predicted that the Atlantic area will have 12 named storms, 5 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes this year which correlates with the annual average for the past 30 years. Although not all storms predicted will make contact with land it is typical for an average of 1 to 2 storms to impact the east coast which means that trees and shrubs are at risk for damage.
Protect Your Trees Before the Storm
- Keep trees healthy with regular fertilization, mulching, soil tests and watering.
- Prune and trim trees to avoid broken branches that can fall on your home and landscape.
- For trees with poor branch structure utilize a certified Arborist to help support your tree with cabling and bracing or stakes.
Start Looking for Signs of Hazardous Trees
- Trees that are dead or dying.
- Trees with trunk damage and decomposition.
- Trees with dense canopies where fallen limbs could potentially get caught.
- Newly planted trees and saplings that have not had much time to take root.
After the Storm
- Survey any possible damage such as bent trees and check for broken limbs that have fallen.
- Contact an Arborist to trim or remove broken branches that have not fallen to the ground.
- Branches that are still partially attached are extremely dangerous and should be handled with the utmost care.
- Uprooted trees may need to be removed depending on their size and the severity of the damage but, some trees can be saved with cabling and bracing.
Healthy trees will always adjust to changes in the climate and seasonal storms better than trees that have not been well cared for throughout the year. Hopefully there won’t be a severe hurricane this storm season, but it won’t be too long before the winter storm season hits North Jersey. Be sure you make sure your trees are ready for it.
If you need emergency services or want to learn more about services that promote tree care and safety while preventing the loss of your property’s assets, check out the Trees Unlimited website.
