Storm Preparation for Your Trees

Trees are an integral part of the urban environment. Aside from making properties look nice, trees reduce stormwater runoff, produce oxygen, provide protection and capture carbon.

By understanding and addressing the risk associated with trees, you can increase the safety of your property, improve tree health and increase their longevity.

While the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, it is not uncommon to have significant wind events throughout the year that can cause damage to trees or your property. You can reduce the likelihood of damage with the following steps.

In advance of forecasted severe storms, have a good look at all the trees on your property. Consider the following:

• Are there large, dead, broken or hanging branches?

• Is there loose or missing bark on the trunk?

• Are there cracks or splits where branches are attached?

• Has the tree previously been topped or heavily pruned?

• Are there power or communication lines in the tree?

• Are there cavities or mushrooms present at the base of the tree?

If you cannot answer any of the questions or are unsure what to do, you should contact a Certified Arborist.

Other ways to mitigate tree risk include:

• prune trees to promote good structure and remove dead wood

• provide trees with routine care (pruning, mulching, watering)

• remove dead standing trees

• contact a Certified Arborist to help you identify your specific needs

For assistance with trees on City property contact Access St. John’s by calling 311 or 709-754-CITY.

For assistance with trees around power lines contact NL Power.