In the heart of West Texas, Lubbock boasts its fair share of natural beauty, with trees adorning our landscapes, providing shade and shelter. However, with the beauty of West Texas comes the reality of unpredictable weather, especially when springtime brings high winds and storms. As a tree care company committed to nurturing Lubbock’s greenery, Hildebrandt Tree Tech understands the importance of safeguarding your trees against such elements. Join us as we explore essential tips for protecting your trees from high winds and storm damage this spring.
The Risks of Spring Winds in West Texas
Picture this: a gusty spring afternoon in West Texas. The winds pick up, and trees sway precariously, vulnerable to potential damage. In such conditions, proactive measures are key to ensuring your trees remain strong and resilient. The old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, certainly holds true for tree care in West Texas. A small investment today in prevention of tree damage can result in big savings by reducing risk and damage tomorrow.
Promote Tree Health from the Ground Up
Springtime wind and storms in Lubbock and the surrounding West Texas area can wreak havoc on trees, leading to broken branches, uprooting, and structural damage. Without proper protection, your beloved trees may succumb to the forces of nature, compromising the beauty and integrity of your landscape.
So, what can you do to safeguard your trees against high winds and storm damage? Here are some essential tips to consider:
Start with the Roots, Mulch and Water
Promote the health of your trees by applying a layer of mulch under the canopy, over the root zone and ensuring they receive adequate water. Did you know that trees with mulch over their root zone instead of grass can have up to seven times more roots? Are you watering enough? If you have a beautiful cool season grass (Fescue) lawn under the canopy of your trees are you over watering and promoting root decay of your trees? Healthy trees are better equipped to withstand stressors like strong winds, so proper hydration and nourishment are essential.
Prune Properly and with Purpose
Start by pruning your trees to remove dead or weak branches that could become broken or damaged in high winds. Selective pruning of branches can also improve the tree’s aerodynamics or wind flow through the canopy, reducing the risk of breakage. Many trees that Hildebrandt Tree Tech is called out to repair have been the victim of unqualified individuals making improper and lifetime damaging pruning mistakes. Over-pruning trees in West Texas predisposes these trees to increased risk of storm damage by subjecting them to uneven loading from wind stress and weight concentration at the ends of long limbs/branches, ultimately resulting in tree/limb failure.
Invest in Tree Support Systems
For particularly tall trees, trees with structural defects or trees with previous damage consider installing support systems such as cables and/or braces. These tree support systems can provide significant stability during windy conditions, reducing risk and even preventing tree damage or failure in some instances. Many tree owners are not familiar with tree cabling or bracing support systems. Your ISA Certified Arborist will be happy to explain how these systems could benefit your trees before the West Texas winds and storms cause havoc.
By implementing these proactive measures, you can ensure your landscape is an outdoor oasis that can withstand the challenges of springtime weather. Your trees will stand tall and resilient, weathering the storm with grace and strength.
Get Professional Help: Contact Your Local Tree Care Experts
As your local tree care professionals, we’re here to help you protect and preserve the beauty of your landscape. Whether you need professional pruning services, tree assessments, tree support systems, or storm damage restoration, our team is ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your trees are prepared for whatever the West Texas weather might have in store.
Don’t let springtime wind and storms take a toll on your trees. With the right precautions and proactive measures, you can safeguard your landscape against high winds and storm damage. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of your trees in West Texas.
