When experts forecast severe weather, many property owners fear having a tree uprooted by wind. No one wants this to occur and create property damage but if it does, local specialists can help you with post-storm tree care. Learn how the experts at Tree Care Inc., the top-rated tree service company in Louisville, KY, approach this issue and discover the best tips for uprooted tree safety.
Why Trees Fall During Storms
One of the biggest questions arborists receive is, “What causes trees to fall during a storm?” You might find yourself dealing with uprooted trees for the following reasons.
Strong Winds
High-force winds place pressure on compromised trees and cause the structure to sway in one direction. This places further stress on the roots and ultimately causes them to give way until the tree falls over. If you have a sturdy tree with a solid root system, high winds alone might not cause it to fall.
Excessive Moisture
When a storm rolls through your region and leaves you dealing with a tree uprooted by wind, the wind might not be entirely to blame. Tree roots need moisture to grow and keep the vegetation healthy, but too much water in the ground can oversaturate the soil and make the roots unstable. If you live in an area with excessive rainfall and a tree falls during a rainstorm with minimal wind, it’s likely that the amount of water beneath the ground is to blame.
Soil Erosion
The soil supporting your tree’s roots can erode over time due to moisture, wind, or even foot traffic. The top layer of soil can dissipate and expose some of the roots, making them more prone to damage. Continued erosion makes the roots unstable to the point where the tree may uproot.
Decay
A wind-damaged tree can uproot itself because of an underlying disease that weakens the structure. Decay may begin with a few branches and eventually make its way to the trunk and underground roots. Tree diseases lead to brittle wood and unstable root systems, making affected trees more likely to fall over during a storm.
Tips for Dealing with a Tree Uprooted by Wind
Many people assume tree removal is the only solution for a storm-damaged tree uprooted by wind. While salvaging large, compromised trees can be difficult, experts can often save young trees that are uprooted in storms. Discover professional tips for salvaging uprooted trees below.
Assess Root Damage
Say a large tree falls onto your property after a disease takes over and destroys the root system. Experts will detect the damage immediately and recommend tree removal because of widespread decay. Attempting to replant a tree with severe root damage comes with major risks, including:
- Spreading the disease to nearby trees
- Unstable ground that leads to more uprooting issues
- Decay that kills the tree
Depending on an arborist’s initial evaluation, you can either plan to remove the tree or plant it in a new spot on your property.
Prepare a New Site
If you opt to replant a tree uprooted by wind, you’ll have to dig a hole that can accommodate the structure and its growing root system. Experts recommend making the hole twice as long and wide as the tree’s root ball.
Cut Damaged Roots
You can safely replant trees with minimal root damage as long as you remove the compromised roots. Pruning unhealthy roots prevents any decay from spreading and promotes the growth of new, nourished roots. Skipping this step increases your risk of having the tree uprooted yet again.
Plant the Tree and Monitor Its Health
Completing all of the above steps promotes tree stabilization and means you’re ready to replant your uprooted tree. Teams can often maneuver small to medium-sized trees while larger trees usually require heavy-duty equipment for transplanting. Once you have the tree in its new spot, cover the space with loose soil and avoid compacting it since this stunts root growth.
Give the soil a sufficient amount of water but be careful not to overwater it. Monitor the tree’s health following the transplant and look out for signs of decay, including:
- Dead, drooping branches
- Holes in the trunk
- Abnormal changes in foliage
Contact a tree care company for assistance if you notice any changes in your tree’s health. They can recommend solutions such as disease management treatments or pruning.
How to Care for Uprooted Trees Following Replanting
When you’re able to save a tree uprooted by wind, the last thing you want is for it to fall again. Arborists recommend the following tips for caring for compromised trees after you replant them:
- Apply mulch: You should give the tree enough water but don’t want to oversaturate the soil. Putting down a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and hydrates the roots. Mulch also prevents weed growth so your tree remains healthy.
- Don’t oveprune: Wait about a year after replanting until you prune branches from the tree. Any tree uprooted by wind undergoes severe stress and excessive pruning can add to it. Have an expert prune branches to avoid injuring the tree further.
- Take caution: You want your tree to look good in its new spot and prioritize landscaping. Be careful not to damage the base of the tree with your lawnmower or other yard equipment.
Remember that trees take time to grow after a major incident like uprooting. Be patient as it grows and don’t hesitate to call professionals if you notice signs of damage.
Contact Louisville’s Trusted Tree Care Specialists for Assistance
You must take immediate action if there’s a tree uprooted by wind on your property. Contact Tree Care Inc. and our experts will respond quickly to evaluate the damage. Depending on the tree’s size and condition, we might be able to salvage it or recommend large tree removal.
Reach out to Tree Care Inc. whenever you have issues with your vegetation, and our staff will do everything possible to resolve them. Call (502) 326-3661 to request immediate service in the Louisville region.