Okay, finish the following sentence: April showers bring May…..yes, flowers! But what happens when a wet fall is combined with a relatively wet spring? Well, sometimes, wet springs don’t only lead to fortuitous flowering. In fact, excessive soil moisture (especially over extended periods) can lead to optimal growing conditions for fungal pathogens that can harm tree root systems and decay wood in trunks or branches.
Let’s Dive Into Storms’ Damages
Storm damage to trees is a common occurrence in North Texas. The image below, shows a large cottonwood recently pruned to reduce risk during upcoming spring storms. The tree had received storm damage over many years, but no corrective pruning was ever conducted. While storms are inevitable, ignoring the damage that may result is not recommended.
As you can see from the image, the internal decay inside this large 10-inch diameter limb over twenty feet up in the canopy was quite severe. Having such a large limb with internal decay of this degree at this height could represent an unacceptable risk with serious consequences should failure occur during one of the many spring storms that are certain to come this season.
Image 1 – Outside face (left) and inside face (right) where pruning cut was made on old storm-damaged branch illustrating the amount of internal decay around the branch. Very little sound wood remained in this limb that extended over a busy walkway. Limbs with previous storm damage that have not been inspected or correctively pruned may have a heightened risk of failure during intense storms.
Get Ready & Prevent This Damage With The Experts At TreeTech TX
TreeTech TX has the expertise and knowledge to help protect your trees and property. Call us to set up your property review today and feel safe knowing your trees are in the hands of one of DFW’s locally owned premier tree care companies.
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