AJT
How to Avoid the Infamous Blue Tarp An expert’s guide to caring for your trees—before a storm hits By Bob Delbridge SPECIAL FOR THE AJT
H
omeowners tense up when a storm is heading toward Atlanta. When high winds, hurricanes or the occasional tornado are headed our way, what if a tree snaps and crushes your house?
You likely can avoid that scenario if you follow these important steps for pre-storm tree care. These tips, which I use to care for my trees in north Fulton County, apply no matter where you live in Georgia, what species are in your yard, or how un-green your thumb. If you follow these tips, you will sleep better on those nights when the weather maps are bright red, and your roof can stay free of a blue tarp. First: Get your bearings Most storms that hit Atlanta come from the northwest, especially winter cold fronts. From June to November, hurricane systems will approach from the southeast. This means your most vulnerable trees are on your home’s northwest and southeast sides.
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Determining these locations is simple. Think about where the sun rises in relationship to your house, and that’s east. The compass app on your smart phone can help too. Your bearings will help you prioritize. If you have 10 trees tall enough to hit your house, target those on the northwest side. Storms are more likely than hurricanes. Second: Assess the Threat
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The trees that are most vulnerable in a storm generally are the ones with the longest limbs or visual flaws. A limb on a tree is like the mast on a ship; its leaves are like the sail. When the wind catches the sail, force travel down the mast and causes tremendous pressure, especially where the mast meets the boat. The longer the tree limb, the greater the force, and the more likely the limb is to break from the trunk and cause damage. Visual flaws are warning signs that most homeowners don’t recognize or choose to ignore. After a severe storm in spring 2013, we removed dozens of trees that failed. About 70 percent had visual flaws such as visible root rot, trunk defects, fungal infections, or were simply dead. And certain tree species are more vulnerable than others; Bradford pear trees, for instance, are notorious for inherent structural flaws. An easy way to assess these threats is through a free inspection by a qualified arborist. He or she can help you determine the highest risk trees. Professional arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture; however, most experienced arborists are capable of providing storm risk assessments. After determining the trees at risk, you will want to come up with a plan to prune or remove them. When your trees have the best chance to weather a storm, you can sleep like a log. Editor’s note: Bob Delbridge is a Certified Arborist and the president of (404) CUT-TREE, which helps homeowners find the most appropriate and safe solution for their tree issues. Based in Norcross, (404) CUT-TREE adheres to the safety and best management requirements of the American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations. Contact (404) CUT-TREE for a free evaluation.