Arizona Palm

Summer storms can hit hard, in desert climates they are often called monsoons and last from June to the end of September. During the storms one can see high winds, lightening and damaged trees. So how can you protect your trees from summer storms?There are many things that can happen to a tree during a storm. To start, if there is heavy rain, a tree may be even more vulnerable when the wind follows.   The reason is due to the ground being overly saturated, which can cause even a tree with healthy roots to weaken its hold. In this case, the bulk of the root system will become exposed if the tree falls over. Trying to protect your tree from falling over in a storm is difficult but there are some ways you can prepare your trees from possible damage. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), states that “Three-fourths of the damage that trees incur during storms is predictable and preventable. ” These are the defects they say to watch out for that make trees more vulnerable to wind and other severities of the weather: * Dead wood is unpredictable because it is brittle, and cannot give under pressure like living tree branches. * Cracks are clear indicators of potential branch failure, where there will be splitting sooner or later. * Look for excessive leaning, long horizontal limbs, crossing branches that rub against each other and create wounds, and narrow crotches (V-shaped instead of U-shaped). Multi-trunked trees need special attention and care. Two trunks or leaders that are of identical diameter and have a narrow crotch are not a good sign. To prevent splitting, choose one to be made dominant by stunting the growth of the other through pruning (called subordination). * Decay, as evidenced by fungal growth or hollow cavities, is a sign of weakness. * Pests, which can exacerbate a tree’s health problems, but they typically target trees that are already sickly. * Root problems, such as stem-girdling roots, while sometimes harder to detect, have the most impact on a tree’s inability to stay upright. Weak roots and a thick canopy is the deadliest combination during a storm. Keep in mind that roots are a tree’s anchor. If a significant portion of a mature tree’s roots have been crushed or cut, or if the tree is still root-bound from the box it came in from the nursery before it was planted, you may consider removing the tree before the wind or weather moves it for you (without warning). * Keeping your trees thin is the single most important thing to do to “storm-proof” them. Quite simply put: the thicker a tree is, the more susceptible it is to damage in heavy winds. Even for a tree that is otherwise perfectly healthy, overly dense foliage poses a safety hazard during stormy weather. A dense canopy will not allow the wind to easily pass through, and the resistance to wind can cause branches to break or even bring the entire tree down. This especially applies to weight at the ends of branches, which is why stripping only the lower parts of the branches is not adequate (and leaves the tree with a funny lion-tailed look). * Plant new trees with their mature size in mind. Do not plant in shallow soils, too close to buildings or wires, or in steep banks. Some trees are more brittle and susceptible to breaking. * Water, mulch, and fertilize the trees regularly and properly. Prevent the soil from becoming compacted. * Prune annually (or every two to three years, depending on the variety) even while the trees are still young. Having your trees trimmed by a professional who understands healthy tree structure is your best bet for avoiding problems. * Avoid excavating around roots. If some excavation is necessary, take measures to minimize cutting or any other impairment of the roots. * Do not top trees! This common but incorrect practice guarantees eventual failure of branches. Your trees will receive the best care from a Certified Arborist. An experienced arborist can quickly recognize potentially hazardous defects in a tree before they become major threats. If left to worsen, these defects can lead to branch failure, splitting, or loss of the entire tree. Keep in mind, though, that it is not only your arborist’s responsibility to care for your trees. There is a lot you can do, too.