One of the biggest dangers during a major storm isn't from the wind or the rain, but from falling trees and branches, which can damage homes and cars and even injure people. Hurricane season in the Atlantic lasts from June through November, and as seen in the last couple of years, even cities far inland can feel significant impact from these storms. Well before any storms make landfall, you should schedule tree maintenance for all the trees on your property to make sure they won't come down. Here’s some advice to keep in mind.

Which Trees Need Tree Maintenance

The most obvious type of risk is from dead branches since the wood weakens after the branch dies, making it likely to snap in high winds. Likewise, any dead or dying tree should be scheduled for tree removal. However, there are other potential reasons a branch or an entire tree might come down. You should also look out for signs of disease or fungus, which can also weaken a living tree or branch.

Trees with thick canopies catch more wind, putting more pressure on each branch, so they should be scheduled for tree pruning to thin their foliage. Trees with codominant trunks--meaning that they split into two different vertical trunks at some point--are weak where the trunks meet because the joint doesn't have the same protective, overlapping layers that occur where a branch grows from the trunk.

Finally, any tree that’s been newly added to your yard should be looked over by an arborist to ensure it’s sunk its roots in solidly enough and won't be toppled.

Following up After a Storm

Even healthy trees can be damaged in high winds, and if you don't perform tree maintenance immediately, they can present an even greater risk when the next storm arrives, which could be during the same year. After any significant storm, check over your trees for broken branches, leaning trunks, loosened roots, and any other major changes that might become a hazard.

Until November, be sure to stay abreast of the weather forecast. Keep an eye out for specific storms heading your way using the National Weather Service's forecast site.

If you need tree maintenance to get ready for hurricane season, schedule with Attaway Tree Service soon. Based in Moody, AL, and Serving St. Clair County, they have more than 40 years of experience and provide both regular maintenance services and emergency calls when needed. To make an appointment, call (205) 529-5380.