Protect a home from falling trees

A homeowner has a lot to worry about, but with proper planning and inspection tree damage doesn't have to be a problem. Every year storms and inclement weather are always a concern, and with the winds and rain, roots and soil can weaken.

Falling trees can often end up on a home, and when making repairs to home damage always have a property inspection completed to determine any areas that need attention. 

Stop a falling tree before it happens

The easiest way to prevent home damage is to stop it from ever happening. When a new storm blows through, this can increase the likelihood of a falling tree, either during the event or after. The most common cause for this to occur is high winds and soil saturation.

Tree limbs might be ripped off and land on a home, or the ground may become so wet that the roots can no longer hold, and the entire tree might come down. During colder months, heavy snow or ice can have a similar effect on trees. It may not seem like an easy task to keep a home safe from damaging weather, but it is around this time that a homeowner needs to be extra vigilant about the strength of every tree in the yard.

There are several great ways to keep trees healthy, and firmly rooted in the ground.

Determine which trees might become problems

Before taking any preventative maintenance, homeowners must first figure out which trees are the issue. Frequently inspect them, and after each storm, or at the change of a season, take a walk around the yard and look for any differences. An unusual change, such as abnormal foliage, branches, roots, and bark, can signify a problem.

Thus, it is beneficial to inspect all trees both up close and at a distance. Use binoculars to see the tops of especially tall trees, and check for any wear, cuts, or peeling on the trunk and branches.

If a tree is now leaning precariously after the last heavy rain, it might be time to take action before it falls on a house. A home inspection is the best way to find out if any home damage has occurred, either from falling trees or any other situation. Always have one done when making repairs, so all of the problems are taken care of. The best way to spot bad roots before the tree falls is to check for damaged soil around the base, and to see if any roots are newly-exposed. If a tree is leaning, cut some branches away to even out the weight, or add braces to keep it upright. 

Easy and regular tree maintenance

Step one to keep trees off of a home is pruning. This can be one of the most practical ways to prevent future damage, and it is simple to do. Choose branches that appear weak, or that might become a problem. Cut them off so the next storm doesn't bring them down. It is cost-effective to do this, and many homeowners have the tools to perform it themselves. Pruning also keeps trees alive, and if another option is removal, this way can help prolong the lifespan. 

A more drastic step is to cut it down altogether. While this might not be the goal of many homeowners, removing the problem might be the best solution for preventing property damage. Always remove rotting trees, since bad weather isn't needed for limbs to start dropping.

If damage does happen, call in professional home inspection services to look over a property. This way, it will be faster and easier to make the necessary repairs to get a house back to normal.