After a windstorm, you may have put in an appearance outside to see your yard littered with broken branches. Or perhaps you are concerned a tree of yours is leaning and could make its way onto the house or car. Then there is the matter of knowing what to look for in a tree that has been compromised by high winds.
For over 15 years 4 Brothers Tree Service Inc. has been on hand to assist the homeowners and businesses of Central Oregon with their wind damaged trees. We are a family run operation in Redmond, Prineville, Bend, Deschutes and Sisters so we are well acquainted with the local terrain and the particular issues it presents to our trees. You can put us on the phone at (541) 815-2342.
There is no shortage of hard winds in Central Oregon and they do a number on our trees. While some of the damage is right there for all to see, the more perilous kind can be deceptively unassuming. In this post we will cover the sort of wind damage we come across and tell you what to be on the lookout for.
Why Central Oregon Trees Are Vulnerable to Wind
The climate of the high desert here is such that it leaves trees open to the elements. With our dry seasons and the way the gusts can come up in the open spaces, there is stress on every tree, whether it was put in the ground or is native to the area. A storm will pass through and any tree in poor health will be the first to show for it.
But if you are aware of the risks you can nip problems in the bud before they become an emergency.
Broken and Hanging Branches
You will not be surprised to find broken limbs in the wake of a windstorm. Some will have been sheared off and dropped. Others break partway and dangle above you until a passing gust does the rest.
We call them widow-makers and for cause. They are a genuine hazard to anyone in their path and will do their share of harm to a roof, fence, power line or vehicle.
Uprooted and Leaning Trees
Loose or waterlogged soil can see a tree pulled from the ground entirely by strong winds. Even when it does not go down completely, a tree can start to list.
Tell tale signs of a tree being uprooted or leaning include:
- An uncharacteristic new lean
- The trunk base surrounded by cracked or heaving soil
- One side of the tree with roots showing
- Roots left looking loose or in bad shape after a storm
- The tree seems to be drawing away from structures in close proximity
It might seem like it is standing firm but a leaning tree can give way without notice. Have it looked at if you see any of the above.
Split Trunks and Cracks
The force of the wind can exact a toll on the trunk. A deep vertical crack or a split goes to the very structure of the tree. After that point it is unlikely to hold its own weight and is a danger to its surroundings.
Likewise you will often find cracks at the juncture of the trunk and a large branch; given time these weak spots will widen and the branch will tear free.
Crown Damage and Thinning
A tree’s crown can be denuded of small branches and leaves by the wind. Excessive thinning of the crown puts the tree under stress and makes it susceptible to disease and pests, not to mention it is thrown out of kilter for the next storm.
Hidden Damage You Cannot See
A tree may appear in good order from where you are standing yet have internal cracks or root trouble. It is only when the next major wind comes along that such things are made plain, making a professional once over after a storm prudent.
Consider the following:
- It can take months for an internal crack to develop to the point of failure
- Root damage is a slow and quiet affair
- Pests and disease will go after a stressed tree
- Survival of one storm is no guarantee of the next
- You can head off property damage and save the tree with early detection
When to Call for Help
Do not put off dealing with a downed tree or fallen limbs in the aftermath of a storm. We are here 24/7 with our emergency wind, fire and storm services for when you need us.
Wind damage is not to be ignored as a weakened tree is only going to be more of a liability as storms go by. Should you have any questions about a tree on your grounds, get in touch with 4 Brothers Tree Service Inc. Our 30 plus Google reviews speak for themselves and we are proud of our work in Central Oregon. For a free estimate call (541) 815-2342.
