How Severe Weather Affects Your Trees

In the aftermath of severe weather events like lightning strikes, windstorms, and heavy snowfall, trees often bear the brunt of nature’s fury. As a property owner, it’s crucial to understand how to address the aftermath effectively to ensure safety and preserve the beauty of your landscape.  

Assessing The Damage 

After a bout of severe weather, the first step is to assess the extent of damage to your trees and surrounding landscape. The severity of the damage can vary depending on the type and intensity of the weather event.  

Lightning Strikes and Tree Damage  

Lightning strikes can cause significant harm to trees, including trunk damage, bark stripping, and even complete tree loss.  

• One of the most obvious signs of a lightning strike on a tree is a charred, burnt area where the lightning made contact. This scorch mark can vary in size and severity depending on factors such as the tree’s species, moisture content, and the intensity of the strike.
•  Under the surface, lightning can also damage a tree’s internal structure. The intense heat generated by the electrical discharge can vaporize moisture within the tree, causing steam explosions that rupture the bark and wood and can create vertical splits or “lightning channels” within the tree. 
• While some trees may survive a lightning strike and eventually recover, others may succumb to the damage or become more susceptible to secondary stressors such as pests and diseases. 

Windstorms and Tree Damage

High winds during storms can lead to uprooted trees, broken branches, and leaning trunks. 

• Strong gusts can break branches, uproot entire trees, or even snap trunks. 
• Prolonged exposure to strong winds can lead to “wind throw,” where the wind gradually loosens the soil around a tree’s roots, making it more susceptible to toppling over. Additionally, the constant swaying and bending of tree limbs can cause micro-fractures in the wood, weakening the tree’s structural integrity over time. 
• Trees that are already weakened by disease, pest infestations, or poor soil conditions are particularly susceptible to wind-related stress and may be more prone to breakage or uprooting during a storm. Fallen trees can block roads, damage buildings, or disrupt power lines, leading to economic losses and inconvenience for communities. 

Heavy Snowfall and Tree Damage 

The weight of heavy snow accumulation can cause branches to bend or break, leading to structural damage. Thankfully, winter is a great time for tree care.

• One of the most immediate dangers of heavy snowfall is the risk of branches breaking under the weight of the snow.
• In addition to branch breakage, heavy snow can also cause entire trees to bend or topple over. Trees with shallow root systems or those already weakened by disease or poor soil conditions are particularly vulnerable to uprooting under the weight of snow. This can lead to significant damage.
• Implementing proper tree care practices, such as pruning, mulching, and bracing vulnerable trees, can help minimize the risk of damage and ensure the long-term survival of trees in snowy environments. 

Emergency Tree Care: Safety First 

Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with storm-damaged trees. 

Identify any immediate hazards, such as hanging branches or leaning trees, that pose a risk to people or property. Cordoning off the affected area prevents accidents and ensures the safety of bystanders. For extensive damage or hazardous situations, enlist the help of certified arborists or tree care professionals. 

Tree Removal vs. Tree Restoration 

In some cases, damaged trees may need to be removed entirely, while others can be salvaged through restoration efforts. Irreparable damage or safety concerns may necessitate the removal of severely damaged trees. Professional arborists can safely remove trees and debris. For trees with potential for recovery, restoration techniques such as pruning, bracing, or cabling can help restore structural integrity and promote healthy growth.