It’s been several months since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the southeastern shore.  Yet, thousands live with the fallout. From losing their homes to rebuilding them, the storm will forever go down in U.S. history as one of the deadliest.

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center released its final report on Helene, stating that the tropical storm’s winds were responsible for 65 direct deaths. Unfortunately, most of those deaths were caused by falling trees.

About 3.5 million hectares of the U.S. is covered by forest land, making it one of the world’s largest forest landholders. These towering giants account for a significant part of the urban landscape, beautifying neighborhoods and providing shade and shelter.

However, Hurricane Helene’s trail of destruction shows that falling trees during storms are just as hazardous as biting wind speeds, rain, and snow.

Whether your home is in a hurricane zone or is exposed to erratic weather, you should protect your property, including your trees, from storm damage. We’ll explain how below.

The Importance of Checking Your Trees

The Cincinnati Enquirer recently reported that damage isn’t limited to trees alone. They fall onto houses and can result in fatalities.

The publication notes that trees are rarely uprooted if they are healthy; most that fall have declined for years due to environmental stress.

As a tree’s health deteriorates, so does its root system. When heavy winds combine with rain-saturated soil, these weakened trees are more likely to be uprooted. 

Hurricane damage at Old Pilgrim Baptist Church’s cemetery in Simpsonville, South Carolina caused fallen trees to break several headstones. Requests were sent for tree removal in Simpsonville SC to aid with the cleanup.

Although news reports often highlight the size of the exposed roots, what’s visible is only a part of the once-extensive root system.

Let’s discuss the signs to look out for on an unhealthy tree.

Signs of Decay or Rot

Swamp Rabbit Tree Co. says proper tree care goes beyond cutting branches or removing trees. It requires expertise and a deep understanding of tree health. That’s where an arborist comes in.

Tree removal experts advise first checking for signs of decay or rot. Soft or spongy wood, peeling or crumbling bark, and fungal growth (like mushrooms), are tell-tale indicators.

Listen for hollow sounds when tapped. This might suggest cavities in the trunk, and sawdust at the base.

Branch tip dieback often signals root problems. When roots are weak, they can’t supply the branches with what they need, causing them to decline.

Assess the Risk

When a tree falls over with its roots, it’s called whole tree failure or “windthrow,” and can pose a danger to people and property, warns The Conversation.

There are often precursors before this happens. Check the base of the tree on a windy day. Contact an arborist immediately to assess the risk if you notice movement or shifting roots.

Large dead branches, known as “hangers,” are dangerous. In strong winds, they can break off and be blown far from the tree. They’re much more likely to fail than healthy branches.

To reduce risk, have large dead branches removed. The larger the branch, the greater the danger. 

Check the Canopy

Gregory Moore tells The Conversation that when a large tree dies or falls, it can create a gap that increases local wind speed and intensity.

The senior research associate at the University of Melbourne explains that removing trees along roads or paths reduces canopy cover and typically raises wind exposure. 

This can stress nearby trees, which are now facing stronger winds than they’re used to. In these cases, it’s wise to monitor the remaining trees closely.

Trees hold a special place in our hearts. They’re the backyard memories of kids daring each other to climb to the highest branches. 

They give life and their health is connected to the environment’s health. If one fails, the entire system breaks down. 

These grounded titans are nature’s fighters against climate change, providing shelter for diverse habitats.

So, imagine a world without them. As custodians of the Earth, it’s our job to ensure trees are healthy and thriving. And it starts in your backyard. 

Enlist the help of a tree service specializing in tree pruning, tree trimming, and tree removal. Some locally owned tree companies offer free estimates and employ certified arborists who are fully licensed to check for potential hazards and safety issues.

Don’t wait for a storm to do damage control. The best plan is to be proactive when it comes to tree care.