If you have trees on your property, it's important to take preventive steps against storm damage. Heavy rain or wind can cause branches to fall down, destroying property—or even harming people or pets. The below tree care measures will help you to avoid such dangerous and costly accidents.

How to Save Trees From Storm Damage

1. Plant Strategically

Storm damage prevention starts as soon as you plant a new tree. A small sapling will eventually grow into a tree that may reach well above your rooftop.

Plant new trees away from power lines, satellite dishes, or sheds, all of which could be damaged by a falling branch. Planting in clusters is also an important part of tree care, as a group of trees creates a protective barrier against storms.

2. Use Mulch

Strong winds can rip a sturdy tree right out of the ground. A dense, deep root system anchors the tree securely and decreases this risk. Protect roots by placing a ring of mulch around the tree's base. The layer of mulch should be two to three inches thick. This keeps away weeds, which otherwise compete with roots for water and nutrients in the soil.

3. Prune & Trim Regularly

Pruning encourages thicker foliage growth, making trees durable in the face of strong winds. Meanwhile, trimming removes dead or diseased branches, which are likely to come down in a storm. Trust a professional to take care of pruning and trimming because they will have the knowledge and tools to do it safely.

4. Add Manmade Protection

You can help trees stay strong in a storm with some artificial protection. For smaller trees, manmade anchors offer added stability against strong winds. Simply place stakes around the trunk and use rope or wire to connect them to the tree. For older trees with flaky, delicate bark, wrap burlap around the trunk to keep it from chipping and flying off in a storm.

Tidwell's Tree Service of Macon, GA, provides tree trimming and stump grinding services you can rely on. A family-owned company, they have been in business for over 30 years. They are known for their friendly customer care, reliable service, and efficient work. Call the tree care company at (478) 755-1515 or complete the online form to request an estimate.