Storm Damaged Tree Removal

Storm Damaged Trees

If you are concerned about a storm damaged tree then J Mountford Tree Services Ltd can help! Our team have extensive experience with emergency tree work. We will attend emergencies in all weathers, 365 days a year.

How do Storms affect trees?

Long spells of rain can saturate soil around trees and cause root plates to weaken. This compromises the structural integrity of the tree. When high winds hit, these tree are susceptible to blowing over.
Wind and rain can also cause weakly attached branches to break off. The branches can be significantly large and cause damage to properties or block highways. During the Winter months, cold temperatures, snow and ice can weaken branches and cause them to break.

Can I prevent Storm Damage?

‘Healthy Trees have a better chance of surviving storm damage’
Although most Storm damage to trees cannot be predicted or prevented, trees will generally stand a better chance of surviving if they have no weak points or disease. We recommend that tree owners and managers check their trees towards the end of the summer before the storm season starts. Ideally this should be done by an experienced Tree Surgeon who can perform a thorough health check on the tree and provide pre-storm advise.

Causes of Tree Weakness

• Tree Imperfections- i.e. included bark, co-dominant leading branches.
• Tree Decay- decaying wood is very weak and usually the most common area that fails in a storm.
• Failing Tree roots- shallow soil, rain saturated soil, confined root plates, inappropriate tree species for the location.

How to check if your Trees are safe following a storm

Many trees that are left standing post storm may still pose a risk. Loose branches or weaknesses in parts of the tree, could be hazards in waiting. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell by a quick glance whether there are any issues. Weaknesses won’t always be obvious.

These are a few of the things that our experienced Tree Surgeons will check for when inspecting post storm trees:

• Leaning Trees- even if a tree has the slightest lean, it may mean that there is a crack within the main trunk.
• Broken branches- broken, split or cracked branches. Listen for creaking which is often a sign of stressed branches.
• Weakly attached branches- inspect the larger branches where they attach to the main trunk.
• Hanging branches- branches that have broken off, but are suspected within the tree canopy and could fall at any point.
• Cracks- any cracks within the main trunk or larger branches should be inspected by a qualified Tree Surgeon. These cracks can run deep and extend through the whole trunk, separating and weakening the tree.
• Split Trunks- Some trees have multiple trunks which can be weakly attached and particularly susceptible for splitting apart under stress.
• Signs of decay- cavities within the trunk, fungus growing on the bark or on exposed roots.

What to do if your Tree has been damaged?

If your tree looks hazardous, ensure all personale are safe and kept away from the tree. Keep young children and pets inside until the tree has been made safe. Phone your local Tree Surgeon and ensure that they are experienced in emergency tree work, have essential public health insurance and the necessary equipment to safely tackle the damaged tree.

Why Choose Us