Nature has its way of healing us and being surrounded by trees is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your mental and physical wellbeing. Thanks to the abundance of trees and green spaces in Atlanta, it has earned a reputation as the “city in a forest,” a title that has made many people want to live here.
However, being surrounded by trees has its downsides, too. In the past few years, we’ve seen and experienced the rainfall in Atlanta becoming heavier and heavier every time the rainy season comes around. Every time it rains hard for an extended period of time, the ground gets soaked and the root systems of trees throughout the city get weaker. This, combined with strong winds, has resulted in more fallen trees that have unfortunately caused damage to a number of homes around the city.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent the trees around your property from damaging your home. Here are some tips from the experts.
#1 Watch out for dead wood
Spotting dead wood is easy if you know what signs to look for. Seeing plenty of old bark on the ground or leafless branches on a tree could be an indicator. Check out this article for other signs to look out for when checking for dead wood.
#2 Check the tree trunk and see if there are cracks that reach deep into it.
These cracks make the tree unstable and, therefore, more prone to falling when swayed by heavy rain and strong winds. Your trees are bound to get deep cracks after going through extreme temperature fluctuations which can happen when transitioning from one season to another.
#3 Check for soft wood and holes
Take some time to go out and touch the trees surrounding your property. Check for soft wood and inspect each ones for holes as these could indicate decay which compromises tree health and structure. Decaying wood can fall anytime, even without the rain or strong winds triggering them.
#4 Remove broken limbs and tree joints
Having multiple branches in one joint may seem like a normal thing but if you’re thinking of safety, these are definitely hazardous. The branches growing from a single joint are not securely attached to the trunk and are more prone to fall.
The same goes for broken limbs or branches. If you see one (or more) that are hanging on for dear life, just cut it already! They can hit other branches and break more which puts your property at an even bigger risk of damage.
#5 Hire a professional if you have the budget for it
Hiring a professional like a landscaper or an arborist can be pretty pricey but, compared to repairing damage caused by a fallen tree in your house, it’s definitely cheaper. Think of it as a preventative measure that’ll save you more money in the future. If you have the funds for it, go ahead and ask the local nursery or your neighbors for good recommendations.
Taking the necessary action to ensure that the trees surrounding your property are healthy and stable enough to withstand heavy downpours and strong winds doesn’t only save you from the hassle of dealing with damage later, but it could also save you from a possible lawsuit.
According to the laws in Georgia, urban homeowners are required to inspect trees within and along their property lines. Any visible, apparent, and patent decay and tree rot must be dealt with accordingly in order to prevent harm to others.