Texas Sized Winter Storms Can Damage Trees
Recent weather events have taken a toll on Texas Trees.
College Station, Texas (February 2021) – Right now, severe ice storms are crippling communities across Texas where the first order of business is clearing roads and restoring power. The Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAT) also reminds homeowners that what’s fallen to the ground after an ice event is only part of the overall danger when working around damaged and ice-covered trees.
According to the Sperry-Piltz Ice Accumulation (SPIA) Index, a tool used to predict potential damage in an ice storm, a quarter to a half inch of ice combined with wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour can cause excessive damage to tree limbs. This exposes people to an increased risk because potential hazards are not always obvious to the untrained eye.
A.J. Thibodeaux, ISAT Chapter President and ISA Certified Arborist® states that the weight of the ice puts major stress on a tree, which might require restoration pruning or the addition of supplemental support such as cables or braces.
Tips on Hiring a Tree Service:
- Dangerous work such as pruning or removing trees—especially large trees—should be left to professionals who are trained in the art and science of care, maintenance and safety.
- Be sure to ask for proof of insurance before hiring a tree service for the job. A reputable company will have personal and property damage insurance and coverage for worker’s compensation.
- Don’t hire someone asking for your business door-to-door and offering reduced rates for tree work. Most reputable companies will not solicit work this way.
- Never allow a tree professional to ‘top’ your trees. Topping trees does more harm than good. It increases the tree’s recovery time and makes the tree more dangerous.
- Find a qualified ISA Certified Arborist in your area by visiting ISA’s consumer website, www.treesaregood.org.
Here are some links that can help you care for your trees:
From the Texas A&M Forest Service –
Can My Tree Be Saved?
Tree First Aid
Chainsaw Safety
Hire an Arborist
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