Though serious typhoons aren’t very common, summer weather can still be intense enough to cause significant damage. Trees sometimes have to bear up under lightning, torrential rain and gale force winds as well as they can. Fortunately, there are things you can do to safeguard the trees in your care.

Have an Arborist Inspect Your Trees

Though a layperson can often tell if a tree limb is obviously sick or broken or if a tree’s roots are heaving, an arborist is trained to look for subtler signs of trouble. They’ll also be able to point out risk factors an amateur can’t see and then consider ways to remove or mitigate them well before the worst of the storm season. Make sure any arborist you choose is certified by the ISA, or the International Society of Arboriculture.

Look for and Remove Weak Limbs

Weak, damaged or dead limbs can break off in a storm and cause injury to both property and people. You should look for these weak limbs on your trees well in advance of summer storm season and remove them. If you’re uncertain about the safest and healthiest way to prune away compromised limbs, have your arborist do it.

Besides weak limbs, you may discover weak points on your tree that make it more vulnerable. Look for cracks, crotches, multiple trunks, large branches growing up from the same point or problems with the roots such as heaving or girdling.

Protect Your Trees From Lightning

Large, old trees are often the tallest things on your property, and as such, they’re more likely to be struck by lightning. Lightning can cause a tree to explode and split right down the middle. It can also cause damage that can’t be seen right away but leaves the tree vulnerable to diseases, pests or a slow, premature death.

The good news is your arborist can install lightning protection for your tree. These are often air terminals and copper cables that direct the lightning into the ground. You may not choose this for all of your trees, but if you have a tree that’s especially beautiful, valuable or has a rich history behind it, you might discuss lightning protection with your arborist.

Stake Saplings

Though a sapling might not do too much damage to your home if it topples over, it may need to be staked to protect it in a bad storm. The staking is likely only temporary, but you should still make sure that it’s not so rigid that the sapling can’t sway in the wind. Swaying strengthens the young tree‘s root system.

Storm-proofing your trees before the season hits not only saves them but also helps protect the rest of your property. Ask your arborist about the best ways to do so. If you live in Medford, OR or a surrounding area and need emergency tree services, make your first call to L&J Tree Service.