In Tyler, TX you can be sure the storm season will bring its fair share of heavy rain and high winds. The sort of sudden shifts in weather Tyler residents are used to here have a habit of exposing every weak tree on your property. A dead or damaged branch might not seem like much when the skies are clear, but come a storm it is a real hazard.
So if you think you need some professional tree removal done this spring or summer, don’t wait for it. Get it handled before your phone starts lighting up with severe weather alerts. After a storm has run its course you will find yourself with fewer options and more risks, not to mention the higher price tag. It makes sense to let a crew come out and deal with any problem trees while things are still quiet.
But first you have to know what to look for. Below are some pointers to help you decide if a tree on your land has had its day.
Dead or dying branches in the upper canopy
If the top of a tree is losing its leaves or bark, it is dying from the crown down – arborists call that “crown dieback.” Should more than 25 or 30 per cent of the canopy be in that state, don’t expect a recovery. Those upper limbs are only waiting for a hard gust to put them on your roof or car. Dieback can be triggered by anything from an insect infestation to root damage left over from construction; what you see above ground is often a symptom of trouble below. A pro will tell you straight if there is enough healthy growth to justify leaving it.
And then you have the big dead limbs. You can ignore a couple of twigs, but a branch three or four inches across that is dead is a red flag. You do not want a tree under that kind of duress around when the storms roll in.
Professional tree removal available in Tyler, Bullard, Chandler, Flint, Hideaway, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, and Whitehouse.
Deep cracks and trunk damage
Wind will make short work of a large vertical crack in a trunk. It is a structural defect that also lets in the spores and moisture to rot the heartwood. In some cases a trunk seems sound until you discover it is hollow at the core. Cavities can be telling as well; a small one is fine, but go too deep and you start to question the whole tree’s integrity. If you see bark peeling off in sheets to reveal soft, dark wood underneath, disease is at work. Cankers are another matter: one sunken patch on the main branches may be nothing, but several mean the tree has a systemic problem it won’t survive. An experienced outfit will advise you when the risk is simply too much.
Changes at the base and root problems
Roots are what hold a tree in place. Compromise them and even a light wind can topple it. It is harder to see than a broken limb but check for mushrooms at the root flare; that is your indication of root rot and the wood fibers breaking down. A tree with that much rot can fall any which way in a storm. Heaving soil is another thing to watch for. When the ground is cracked or raised and you can see roots that should be under the surface, the tree is pulling away from the earth. Have a professional come take a look at that right away. Severing roots through some trenching or landscaping will do as much damage to a tree’s foundation as you might expect. It is possible to have a specimen in your yard that looks fine from the top down, yet if a contractor has been at work on its major roots in the last year or two, it may be in trouble below the surface. For those in Tyler who have had any recent landscaping done around their larger trees, it is wise to call in a tree care pro to have a look at the root zone before the storms come.
A lean that's getting worse over time
Then you have the issue of a tree’s lean. Not all of them are anything to fret over, but a sudden slant after a hard rain, or one that is tilting more than it used to, is a structural problem. A progressive lean means something has given way either in the trunk or underfoot. The clay soils here in Tyler like to hold water and when the ground is saturated from a long spell of rain, weakened roots can let go. You can be sure a tree that has already shown a lean after one storm will only deteriorate with the next, and by storm season you are looking at total failure.
Checking for this is simple. Step back and see how the trunk is aligned with a fence post or the corner of the house, and take a photo. If you notice the angle has increased in a few weeks, get a specialist out. He can put you straight on whether cabling and bracing will do or if the tree has to come down so the wind doesn’t make that decision for you.
Proximity to your home, power lines, and other structures
Location is everything. A weak tree in an open field is not the same as one ten feet from your front door. You don’t want to be surprised by a compromised tree near your home, garage or a power line, or even your neighbor’s property. The spring and summer gusts are strong enough to bring them down. A tree on a power line is a fire hazard and will cut off electricity to the block; the kind of damage it can do to a house runs into the tens of thousands, and there is always the risk to anyone in the yard.
What to do if you spot the warning signs
So walk the grounds and give the trees in striking distance of a structure a good once-over. Spot decay, a bad lean or root damage? Book an inspection. An expert will tell you what the risk is and how to handle it. It is a lot less expensive to take out a dangerous tree on your own terms than to have an emergency crew at 2 a.m. because it has gone through your roof.
A tree pro can size up the situation and tell you if it is worth a little pruning or if its days are numbered. Most of the time a tree doesn’t just fall without warning; you have likely seen the dead canopy or the cracks in the trunk months ago. Don’t leave it to the next bout of severe weather to decide for you.
If you have noticed these kinds of warning signs on your Tyler, TX property, Tree Service Tyler TX can put you in touch with the right people. The tree care specialists are quick to respond and will work around your schedule. Call (430) 218-4238 for a free estimate and to get an inspection scheduled before the season gets under way.
Common questions about tree removal before storm season
How far in advance of storm season should I schedule tree removal?
Scheduling tree removal four to six weeks before your area's peak storm season gives you the best options. Professional tree removal crews book up quickly as spring approaches in Tyler, so early scheduling helps you secure a convenient date and avoid a backlog.
Can a tree that looks healthy still be a storm risk?
Yes. A tree can appear green and full aboveground while suffering from internal decay or root rot below the surface. A professional tree care specialist uses diagnostic tools and hands-on inspection to identify hidden problems that aren't visible to most property owners.
Does homeowner's insurance cover tree removal after storm damage?
Many homeowner's insurance policies cover the cost of removing a tree that falls on a covered structure like your house or garage. But policies rarely cover removal of a tree that falls in your yard without hitting a structure. Check your specific policy for details and coverage limits.