Summer is practically here and before too long we will be right smack dab in the middle of monsoon season. While the monsoon is definitely a welcome source of moisture for Phoenix and surrounding communities, it can also be dangerous in some situations.
Monsoon storms typically bring with them a great deal of wind, rain and lightening and thunder. They have known to cause damage to building structures as well as trees and vegetation. We are often asked at ABC Scapes what people can do to protect their trees and prevent storm damage. Here are a few ideas:
Keep Your Trees Well Pruned
Trees that are well cared for are often stronger and more resilient than those that aren’t. When they are carefully pruned, they allow for the wind to pass through the branches without potentially blowing it over. When the branches and foliage become to thick, your tree is more likely to be affected by the wind. Not only can it catch more wind causing it to blow over, but it may also be full of older dead branches that can easily fall in a big windstorm.
Train Young Trees
If you have just recently planted trees on your property, be sure you take the appropriate steps to train it to grow in the right direction. Untrained trees can grow too close to rooftops, fences, or even electrical wires. During the rest of the year, this may not make a difference. But when monsoon season hits, you can imagine trees that are too close to other objects can cause trouble.
Clean Up After A Storm
If you do experience a strong storm that damages your tree by knocking branches loose or cause them to hang from the tree, be sure to get them cleaned up before the next storm rolls in. Loose branches that are left in the tree can be the cause of further damage should another storm hit.
Pay Attention To The Roots
We don’t often think about how the roots of a tree help it stay strong in a storm. The roots are actually what are working to keep the tree upright during a storm. Roots spread out in all directions up to four or five times the tree height, preventing the tree from toppling over during a storm. It’s important to pay attention to where those roots are and make sure they are not damaged or hurt in any way. Cutting roots to make way for other structures can definitely affect the trees ability to withstand a strong storm.
ABC Scapes can help to ensure your trees are ready for the upcoming monsoon season. Call us today at 602-404-0568 for a free quote.