Identifying Weak Trees Before Spring Storms

Spring storms in the Triad region can be fierce, and while the vibrant greenery of spring is something to celebrate, it’s also a time to take stock of the trees on your property. Weak, dead, or unstable trees pose serious risks during storms, potentially causing costly damage to your home or yard. The good news? These issues can often be spotted and addressed before disaster strikes.

At Shannon & Sons Tree Service, we specialize in helping homeowners and property managers in Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas ensure their trees are ready to weather the storm. Here’s our guide to identifying trouble spots in your trees and how we can help keep your property safe.

Signs Your Tree Could Be a Hazard

Healthy trees are beautiful and beneficial to your property, but it’s not always obvious when a tree has hidden risks. Here are the key signs to watch for to determine if your tree needs professional attention.

Identifying Dead Trees

Dead trees might not seem like an urgent issue, but they’re one of the biggest dangers during high winds and heavy rains. A dead tree is far more likely to fall, putting your home, vehicles, and even your family at risk.

How to spot a dead tree:

- - No Leaves (in the spring or summer): Trees that remain bare while others thrive need immediate inspection.
  - Brittle Branches: Branches that easily snap or crumble in your hands.
  - Peeling Bark: Significant bark loss or sections of exposed wood.
  - Fungi or Rot: Large fungal growths at the trunk base or soft, decayed wood can indicate structural issues.

Why Dead Trees Are Dangerous

Dead wood is brittle and weak, making the trees unable to withstand strong winds or heavy rain. Larger limbs or the tree itself can fall unexpectedly, leading to serious damage to structures, cars, and even power lines. Don’t wait for a storm to expose these risks!

Recognizing Diseased Trees

Diseased trees not only look unappealing but can also quickly become unsafe. Worse, diseases can spread to surrounding healthy trees if left untreated.

Common Diseases in the Triad Area

- Anthracnose causes spotted leaves and early leaf drop.
- Root Rot results in weak, decaying roots and instability.
- Bacterial Wetwood creates oozing sap and discoloration on trunks.

Symptoms of Tree Disease to Watch For:

- Unusual growths or swellings on branches and trunks.
- Discolored or wilting leaves during the growing season.
- Excessive sap or liquid flowing from the trunk.

If you notice these signs, it’s essential to act fast! Diseased trees can become hazards within weeks or months. Consult with us at Shannon & Sons Tree Service for a professional health assessment.

Warning Signs of Unstable Trees

Even healthy-looking trees can become hazardous if they are unstable. Here’s how to recognize instability before it leads to unexpected falls.

- Leaning Trees: A lean beyond 15 degrees often points to root damage or poor soil conditions.
- Exposed Roots: Roots sticking out of the ground can weaken the tree’s anchor over time.
- Cracked Soil: When the ground near the base of the tree appears to be cracking or shifting, it often indicates structural instability.

Soil Conditions Matter

Clay-heavy soil, common in the Triad, expands and contracts with weather changes. This can stress roots, especially after heavy rain or drought. If your property has wet, compact soil, it’s even more vital to monitor your trees regularly.

Importance of Tree Pruning

Prevention is always better than emergency intervention, and pruning is one of the best ways to maintain tree health and stability.

How Pruning Helps Trees

- Removes Dead and Weak Branches: Weak branches are often the first to fall during storms.
- Encourages Robust Growth: Proper pruning promotes strong, balanced development, reducing the chance of wind damage.
- Improves Tree Balance: By redistributing weight, pruning reduces strain on branches or the trunk.

Why Professional Tree Pruning Matters

Improper or excessive pruning can do more harm than good. Our team at Shannon & Sons Tree Service is trained in best practices for tree health and stability. With decades of combined experience, our crew ensures your trees are pruned to perfection, keeping them healthy, beautiful, and storm-ready.

Request a Free Estimate for Tree Pruning.

What to Do After Storm Damage

Despite your best efforts, Mother Nature can still pack a punch. If your property sustains tree damage from a storm, Shannon & Sons Tree Service is here to help.

1. Assess the Damage

Look for broken branches, uprooted trees, or fallen limbs. But remember, safety first! Don’t approach dangling limbs or trees near power lines.

1. Call Shannon & Sons Immediately

Our team offers 24/7 emergency services for situations just like these. With the right tools and expertise, we safely remove damaged trees and debris, ensuring your property is safe and ready for cleanup.

1. Plan for the Future

After the storm, schedule an inspection to identify and address other trees that may have been weakened or destabilized.