Trees can really lively up a property. However, trees can also pose a safety hazard to your family and your home if they are not properly inspected and maintained. Every year, falling trees or branches cause tragic deaths and tens of millions of dollars in property damage.
During storms, trees can present an even more significant danger. High winds, snow, and lightning can all transform trees into threats for you or your property. Below are some of the steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a safety hazard.
Before a Storm
- Examine your property for any dead or dying trees and have them removed.
- Make sure your trees are in good health with proper watering and fertilization.
- Prune dead or broken limbs to help trees maintain their structural integrity.
- Treat pest problems as soon as you spot them to minimize potential damage to trees.
How to Spot a Hazardous Tree
- Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
- Mushrooms/fungi growing from the bark
- Indications of hollowing and decay
- Significant leaning to a particular side
- Branches hanging over or close to your house
- Limbs in contact or close proximity with power lines
Sources: Travelers.com “Tree maintenance can minimize property damage“, arborday.org “Be Financially Prepared for Hurricane Season with the I.I.I.’s New Insurance Checklist“
