All right, fellow tree enthusiasts, we’ve had quite the storms lately. If you’ve been lucky enough to find your tree — or its branches — making an unexpected visit to your yard, you’re not alone. Arborists and tree cutters all over the region have been busy cleaning up after these tree tantrums, rescuing roofs, garages and yes, even your grandmother’s precious begonias (she’s still not over it, by the way).
They say, “All accidents are preventable,” and while that sounds suspiciously like something a dentist says right before giving you bad news, it holds true for trees as well. So, how can you keep your tree from being the next uninvited guest at your weekend barbecue?
1. Pruning
Sometimes trees, like teenagers, need a little help keeping things in check. If your tree’s starting to resemble the Whomping Willow from Harry Potter, it’s probably time to think about pruning.
But don’t just start snipping away like you’re auditioning for Edward Scissorhands, start with the dead branches — those are the ones most likely to take a dive, and no one wants a branch belly-flopping into your neighbor’s pool.
Also, keep an eye on any branches hanging over your roof or forming a “Y” shape, known in fancy tree talk as “co-dominant stems.” These are the tree world’s version of a drama queen, prone to splitting under stress.
2. Support
Sometimes, even trees need a little moral (and physical) support. Installing a support system can help keep your tree standing tall, even when the winds blow hard. Arborists use cables, brace rods and props to keep trees from throwing in the towel.
Think of cables like tree seat belts, and brace rods like tree casts — they help keep things together. And those props? They’re like the crutches of the tree world, helping heavy branches hold their heads up high.
3. Mind the lean
If your tree looks like it’s been out late having a good time, swaying in the breeze, it could be planning an exit strategy. And if that lean comes with roots popping out on the other side, it’s probably more than just a little wobble.
Before your tree shouts, “Timber!” and takes out your roof, call in an arborist to determine if it needs a simple adjustment or is about to peace out permanently.
4. Create the right environment
Trees, much like us, thrive when they’re well cared for. Leave a tree out in the sun without water, run over its roots a few too many times with the mower, and use it as a backstop for target practice, and its health will start to go downhill fast.
But here’s the secret to keeping your tree happy: mulch. That’s right, mulch is like the ultimate spa treatment for trees. It keeps roots cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and helps lock in moisture. Just don’t go too crazy — trees aren’t looking for a mulch volcano around their base.
5. Keep an eye on things & call the experts
Trees won’t send you a text saying, “Hey, I’m feeling a bit off.” So, it’s up to you to keep an eye out for warning signs — discolored leaves, weird growths, mushrooms, decay or branches that look like they’ve given up on life.
If your tree looks like it’s trying out for the latest zombie flick, don’t hesitate to call in the experts. Arborists are like tree therapists — except instead of couches, we use chainsaws. We’ll assess your tree’s health, recommend a plan and maybe even save your grandma’s begonias next time.
There you go — keeping your trees safe and your parties disaster-free. Remember, a little TLC goes a long way, and with proper care, your tree will be standing strong, far from any impromptu lawn flamingo destruction. Trees are our friends — though sometimes, they just need a little tough love.
Mike White is an ISA board certified master arborist and owns Treemaster LLC. If you’re interested in learning more about tree related issues, you’ll find him to be moderately obsessed. You can reach him at mike@treemasterllc.com
