Storm Damage

Alberta may be a landlocked province, but it enjoys its fair share of picturesque scenery, all thanks to its billowing and serene greenery from Jack Pines to Trembling Aspens to Balsam Poplars galore. Regardless of whether you are a nature nut or not, you cannot deny the fact that a tree of tranquillity transforms your humble abode into a more pleasant place. However, if your property has been ravaged by a disastrous thunderstorm, it will require an experienced Edmonton tree storm damage recovery service. 

Although Edmonton enjoys a dry, continental climate with warm, muggy, and humid summers and freezing, cold, and dark winters, it has heavy winds and moderate amounts of precipitation. The peak of Edmonton's rainy season is mid-June to July, during which it receives, on average, 2.7 inches of rainfall alongside the occasional hailstorm in the thick of summer. Although your tree can withstand the impact of scathing precipitation, including heavy rainfall, blistering blizzards, prickly ice shards from hailstorms, and whisking winds, it's not indestructible and can suffer from severe tree storm damage. It may call for broken branch removal unless it’s a fallen tree that must be entirely removed.

Not only is a whomping willow with dried branches, limbs, and roots an eyesore, but it can also be a potential safety hazard for yourself. Plus, your home's curb appeal could also plummet. That's why it's essential to have healthy and robust trees by asking an accredited tree care services provider to trim and prune off any dead branches, reinforce the tree itself, or relocate it to a safe distance away from your home. And lastly, completely remove the tree in its entirety if it cannot be saved.

Surprisingly, a fallen tree and its branch removal is not necessarily a quick-fix solution, and despite how much of a green thumb enthusiast you are, it's not the same as attending to your herb and flower garden. If anything, it requires the skill set, tactic, and knowledge of a qualified arborist. Suppose your tree trunk has split into two. In that case, it may be about time to rely on a local, professional, and certified Edmonton arborist to resolve unexpected storm damage to your trees. 

Our Expert Edmonton Tree Storm Damage Services

An arborist is a professional who specializes in ensuring trees are in a healthy, safe, and attractive condition by conserving, maintaining, and preserving them so they have sustainable and resilient growth. If your tree happens to have been pelted by consistent and scathing rain, snow, or hail, more often than not, it will appear to have broken limbs, loose and snapped-off branches, ripped-off leaves and stripped foliage, and gouged-out bark. It's best practice to prune off these dead portions of the tree, as if you leave the wounds to fester, it can affect the growth trajectory of the tree. Based on the extent and severity of the damage, you may or may not need fallen tree removal. Oftentimes, Edmonton homeowners haphazardly assume they need to uproot the fallen tree when a minor tweak from a professional arborist will suffice. The extraordinary realization about a tree is that it has the ability and capacity to recover from a storm that may have wreaked havoc. So long as the roots remain intact, most plants and shrubbery can recover from tree storm damage. It's best not to outright ignore tree storm damage, too, as it can invite a host of further problems. 

If you've noticed any of these telltale signs, you are likely dealing with tree storm damage that requires attention:

• Splintered bark, as seen by random sticks everywhere on the ground
• Peeling, warped, cracked, or fractured bark
• Broken or loose branches or limbs
• Fungal growth, including mold and mildew, resulting in wood rot
• An off-kilter or skewed tree that is off balance
• Open fissure wounds
• Soft, spongy texture due to rot
• Leaves and foliage have mostly fallen off
• Pest and termite invasion
• Root damage

As you can see, apart from aesthetic appeal for your home's exterior living space, an injured tree also has other ramifications, such as affecting the natural environment, including our eco-footprint. At the end of the day, our very livelihood depends on a tree, as through the process of photosynthesis, trees are responsible for producing the very air we breathe and recycling oxygen, and are the literal lifeblood that we cannot survive without. 

Tree Storm Damage: Edmonton, Branch Removal and Fallen Tree Removal

Tree Staking

If we discover your tree has been thrown off balance and is now leaning sideways, our tactical arborist can utilize staking to anchor, support, and protect it against further damage. As an extra support mechanism that provides stability, staking is the process of attaching the trunk of the tree to an adjacent steel or wooden post, which further bolsters it in an upright position. There are different methods to stake a wobbly or fallen tree, from using fine thread wire or ropes for small to medium-sized trees to using ground anchors, steel cables, and lag hooks for larger trees. Although trees by default grow straight on their own, new saplings or older trees may need reinforcement so they don't topple over from strong winds, precipitation, or random and nosy critters. Due to tree storm damage, Edmonton homeowners might have a tree that has bent into a crooked and wayward shape and needs to be repositioned. 

Here are some steps on how our arborist corrects a small leaning tree through staking:

1. Whack-A-Post: After we measure the approximate distance from the tree, we will install a post or stake about 18 inches away from the tree and into the ground, keeping it at a subtle angle. It's not a matter of sticking the post into the ground, as it requires strategic positioning. Otherwise, you can accidentally damage the root if you're not careful. A general rule of thumb is that the stake must be about 3/4 the height of the tree and up to 4 inches thick for the best amount of reinforcement.
2. Strap Up: Now, we will use a piece of rubber hose or another thread material and attach it to a ratchet strap. The goal is to ensure the piece of the hose can wrap around at least three-quarters of the way around the trunk of the tree. We don't recommend using plain wire or rope to straighten the tree, as you have probably seen in some gardens, because it can damage the bark and suffocate the tree.
3. Mount and Set: Next, we will wrap the strap around the side of the tree that is leaning awkwardly outwards. We will place the strap parallel to the stake at equal distances, then pull the loose ends toward the stake. Based on the size of the tree and the extent of the storm damage, we may have to place the strap closer to the ground to maximize stability, for example, for a smaller and more feeble-looking tree.
4. Just Loose Ends: Finally, we will tie up the strap into a tight knot around the stake and ensure it's securely fastened until the tree is standing upright. We will leave a little bit of leeway to ensure that the tree isn't stifled and its roots can still grow out.
5. Check It Out: Staking is, of course, not foolproof for dealing with the aftermath of tree storm damage, so you still need to continue to monitor the tree once in a while to ensure the strap doesn't come undone (especially after the next thunderstorm or windstorm!). If anything, a stake is useful for preventing the tree from leaning and allowing it to grow as straight as possible.

Tree Pruning and Trimming

Pruning is the practice of removing dead, dying, or infected and diseased branches so the tree can continue to adapt and grow in a healthy and resilient manner. Thinning out decayed parts of the tree is essential to allow it to remain strengthened and retain its structural integrity. Edmonton property owners must realize that refurbishing their tree after tree storm damage through branch removal is a more worthwhile investment than getting a new one in its place, as to reiterate, being an organic plant, a tree can rebound, no matter how blemished it may seem. 

Here are some of the numerous benefits of tree pruning and trimming for branch removal:

• Reduces the safety hazard of fallen tree branches
• Reduces the likelihood of disease, infection, and other kinds of decay
• Encourages fruit and flower production
• Bolsters the tree structure
• Boosts visibility of the surrounding landscape

Tree Moving and Tree Removal

At times, staking your tree into a bolt and upright position or shaving off its dead limbs through a branch removal service just won't do. Sometimes you require the fallen tree's relocation or even its total removal. Do you have a tree with a lush and billowing canopy that sits right above your home's roof and gutters? If anything, you may be concerned about your gutters getting clogged and chock-full of accumulated debris, including dirt, stones, twigs, pine needles, pine combs, leaves, and even a bird who decided to move from the tree top and make your gutter's troughs its nest! As a result, you may want to relocate your tree to the backyard, well away from your roofline, so cleaning your gutters doesn't become more of a hassle.

Thankfully, our trained arborists can handle uprooting your tree from its original position and safely transporting and relocating it to another location on your property, only to be planted firmly in place one more time. Upon inspection of the site, by assessing soil quality for pH levels and which areas possess the most optimal amount of direct sunlight, your arborist will proceed with the best course of action. Utilizing professional-grade equipment, including a truck-mounted spade, we will carefully lift the tree, wrap up and tie down the tree whilst keeping its root system intact. Finally, we will transport the tree to the designated location where a new hole will be dug out, and the tree will be replanted or relocated.

Plus, we advise you that, given the shock and trauma from the disastrous storm your tree has been made vulnerable to, you must follow up on its care and maintenance. For example, you are best advised to hydrate the roots with at least one inch of water per week. Atop this, you can add a few inches of mulch to the tree's base, as this will provide more nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to the soil. Edmonton homeowners must remember that tree removal and relocation, especially after a storm, is an intricate and detail-oriented process, and if you're not extra vigilant, you can easily hurt yourself. That's why your best bet is to depend on an arborist who has hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for dealing with everything from fallen trees to branch removal in Edmonton.

Trusty Trees is the Best Choice for Edmonton Tree Storm Damage Recovery Services

The old adage is true–from mighty trees, acorns grow. A tree adds a charming presence to any humble abode, and its scenery sets the tone and mood of your living environment. Trusty Trees is a locally owned and operated all-inclusive tree services provider in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. Our ISA-certified arborists are licensed and fully insured for professional tree removal services, and tree storm damage is one of their areas of expertise. We offer both residential and commercial tree care services, from branch removal to deep root fertilizing and stump removal. If you have recently borne the brunt of a horrid weather storm and are hoping to restore your tree of tranquillity, ask one of our experienced arborists for assistance. We stand out as your go-to certified arborists in Edmonton because: 

• Fully licensed and insured tree service company
• 100% locally owned and operated
• 25+ years of experience in the industry

Contact us today to have your trees assessed by our experienced arborists for any potential hazards or threats. Ask us anything about tree storm damage! Edmonton residents—call 780-860-5500 to speak with an expert and get the correct answers today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Storm Damage: Edmonton

Do you offer emergency services if my tree is damaged during a storm?

Yes, of course. In our climate, with often high winds and unexpected early snow in the fall or late snow in the spring, a tree or a major limb can fail. During these difficult, unexpected times, we always have a crew on call 24 hours a day to respond. Please don't hesitate to call us if you need help with any storm damage. DIY tree storm damage recovery can be extremely dangerous, so always call us for emergency response. In the meantime, ensure your safety by avoiding approaching the broken tree. 

You should always call for emergency services if:

• The entire tree or a major limb has fallen onto your lawn, driveway, or roof
• Branches have become tangled with electrical wiring from power lines
• The tree is unstable, cracking, leaning, or uprooted

When any of these issues occur, Trusty Tree Services provides around-the-clock emergency responses for this very reason. Complete the form or call to speak with an Edmonton tree service expert about our emergency tree care today. 

Can a damaged tree be saved, or does it need to be removed?

It will depend on the species, structural condition, and the extent of root and crown damage. While some trees can survive even with extensive damage, the primary trunk and root system must be intact to consider saving them. When we assess the damage when responding to your Edmonton tree storm damage, we will determine the best course of action. We always try to salvage your tree, but we will never recommend any unsafe practices for keeping structurally unstable trees. Whether you need to prune, patch, stake, or completely remove the tree with our tree removal and stump grinding services, we can help restore the safety of your property. 

What are the warning signs that a tree might fail after a storm?

Tree damage isn’t always as obvious as it completely falling. Lookout for: 

• Hollow or decayed sections at the base of your tree
• Fresh cracks from the heavy wind or storm
• Mushroom or fungal growth forming at the ground level of the tree
• Shifts in soil or heaving tree roots

What areas of Edmonton do you serve?

Trusty Tree Service is your dependable tree care provider in Edmonton’s urban and suburban neighbourhoods, including Northwest, Northeast, Southside, and the Greater Edmonton Region. 

Why should I choose a certified arborist instead of doing the cleanup myself?

You should always hire certified arborists to handle your Edmonton tree storm damage repair needs to ensure hazard prevention and code compliance. You can count on our pros at Trusty Tree Services to adhere to ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) standards for professional and safe work practices. 

What if my tree fell onto power lines?

If you have a tree that has fallen onto any electrical wiring or power lines, never touch or move the tree. Contact your local utility company to report the accident, then seek emergency services from our team at Trusty Tree Services. It’s also worth informing any neighbours to keep them away from this hazard. 

Will the same tree species be replanted?

Sometimes, yes. If tree replacement is necessary as a result of storm damage, we will provide reliable recommendations based on Edmonton’s urban climate and soil composition. Common hardy varieties best suited for Edmonton include Aspen trees, Balsam Poplar trees, or Jack Pine trees. 

How can I prevent storm damage in the future?

It's important to get a professional assessment of your trees regularly for potential hazards and risks. Some of the things we look for are:

• Failure potential
• Closeby power lines
• Environmental factors such as exposure to wind, snow, and rain accumulation
• Nearby city or residential construction

Decay can occur over time and often cannot be seen easily. Trees need to be inspected by a trained arborist to identify characteristics of potential failure, which could cause serious property damage or injury. One of our specialty areas is pruning dead limbs for branch removal to ensure renewed tree growth. Contact us today to have your trees assessed by our experienced arborists for any potential hazards or threats.

Who should I contact for a professional inspection or urgent help?

Always trust Trusty Tree Services for your Edmonton tree storm damage repair needs. From minor cracks at the tree base after heavy winds to a complete tree collapse, you can count on us for top-tier emergency response and long-term solutions. Whether that's further upholding the tree by repositioning it, relocating it to another destination, or getting rid of it entirely, we do everything we can to prevent further damage to your property. Our trustworthy team members always take the time to genuinely listen to your tree concerns by offering authentic and effective solutions for your shrubbery, no matter the feat.

Stay safe and reach out to one of our customer care representatives at 780-860-5500. They will gladly inform you about the numerous rewards you will reap from professional tree care service, as we eagerly await your call.