Storm Damage: Part 2 Stem Failure

Living in the Tri-Cities area comes with many great benefits. We have sun, clear skies, and plenty of beautiful scenery. But with that comes a little bit of wind in late April and early May. The wind can pick up enough to where it will do some pretty good.

The second kind of storm damage that can occur is “stem failure.” Trees do not heal their wounds. They will grow over them and seal them off. With that said, the wounded area of the tree doesn’t get stronger, it remains with the tree. That means any injury the tree has ever had will always be there. These trees will have weaker areas that will be susceptible to failure from storms.

To identify stem damage, look for any of the following:

  • stem canker sores
  • dark blue or staining in certain trees
  • staining caused by fungus
  • discoloration coupled with pitch flow
  • round swellings

To properly “cure” areas impacted by stem failure, you will need to properly prune appropriate areas. Also, you will not want to damage the branch collar since it’s part of the stem. Also, do not over treat tree hollows by removing decayed wood. The only exception is if the decay falls away in your hands. If you over clean the hollows, it could lead to further damage.

Keep in mind that having trees on your property comes with a little bit of maintenance. With just a little maintenance, you can prevent most major pitfalls. You won’t have to be worried about trees causing property damage or even worse, personal injury. We look forward to discussing your tree maintenance needs. We have trained arborists in the Tri-Cities that are professional and that can answer any questions you have.

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Storm Damage: Part 1 Blow Over

Living in the Tri-Cities area comes with many great benefits. We have sun, clear skies, and plenty of beautiful scenery. But with that comes a little bit of wind in late April and early May. The wind can pick up enough to where it will do some pretty good.

There are certain things you can look for to see if any of your trees are susceptible to being blown over. Here are some common signs to look for:

  • Rotted roots
  • Lopsided shape
  • Numerous small branches that act as a sail
  • Mechanical damage

There are a few things to keep in mind that will help you identify whether a tree has a chance of being blown over. Here they are:

  • Trees that have been planted within the last 5 years
  • Isolated trees in recently cleared areas
  • Loose and gravelly soil

Trees can and will get pushed over by high winds. Most cannot adjust to high winds easily. Also, past tree maintenance will factor into your tree’s strength. So if you’ve found yourself with a blown over tree, the first thing to do is to ascertain if any property damage has occurred. If you don’t feel comfortable with removing it from your property, we are more than happy to provide an estimate and remove your fallen tree as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind that having trees on your property comes with a little bit of maintenance. With just a little maintenance, you can prevent most major pitfalls. You won’t have to be worried about trees causing property damage or even worse, personal injury. We look forward to discussing your tree maintenance needs. We have trained arborists in the Tri-Cities that are professional and that can answer any questions you have.

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How To Plant Trees: Check Local Laws & Codes Part 2

Each city within the Tri-Cities area has it’s own tree ordinances and codes. Whether you live in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Benton City, or Burbank, you will want to look up any codes related to where and how you plant your trees. Some of the biggest concerns will be any obstructions created to city property or public access. You will also want to consider future planning because even if your tree is good now or next year, it may end up violating code years down the road.

Some of the kinds of ordinances will cover one of these three basic categories:

  • Street tree ordinances primarily cover the planting and removal of trees within public rights-of-way. They often contain provisions governing maintenance or removal of private trees which pose a hazard to the traveling public. Also included in this category are ordinances with tree planting requirements, such as those requiring tree planting in parking lots.
  • Tree protection ordinances are primarily directed at providing protection for native trees or trees with historical significance. They usually require that a permit be obtained before protected trees can be removed, encroached upon, or in some cases, pruned.
  • View ordinances are designed to help resolve conflicts between property owners that result when trees block views or sunlight.

Keep in mind that proper tree care begins when you pick a tree and what you do to your tree in its first couple years of life will affect its shape, strength, and its life span. By following these steps, you will make sure tree gets on the correct foot and keep it healthy throughout its life. We look forward to helping you with all of your tree maintenance needs. No matter where you live in the Tri-Cities, your tree maintenance needs are our priority.

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