Austin is 215 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, so it typically avoids the brunt of hurricanes. But that doesn’t mean we don’t experience some of the effects of these massive storms. The outer tendrils of a hurricane can dump flood-worthy rainfall on the area and batter it with winds as fast as fifty miles an hour.
With hurricane season upon us, it’s time to start preparing ourselves, our homes, and our lawns. That means learning how to prepare your trees for severe weather.
Pruning
One of the greatest risks to your home during severe weather is debris going through your rooftops, especially tree branches. When storm season is upon you, take the time to make sure branches aren’t too close to rooftops or power lines and trim them accordingly. Additionally, thinning the tree’s crown promotes airflow, improving the tree’s strength. This strength will help the tree hold its ground in a storm.
Soil Maintenance
Trees need protection beneath the surface as well. Oversaturated soil can result in conditions like root rot, which can cause fungal infections in your trees’ root system. Preparing your trees for severe weather means improving your yard’s soil drainage. It may also mean adding mulch around your trees to help regulate how much water they absorb.
Lightning Protection
Lightning is typically attracted to the highest points in the area, and in many cases, that means your trees. While you can’t stop lightning from striking, you can keep your trees safe by installing a lightning protection system. These systems utilize a terminal, a copper wire, and a rod that goes into the ground. If lighting strikes, the system will send the brunt of the shock into the ground, preventing damage to the tree.
Weather-Resistant Trees
You can make your yard weather-resistant by choosing trees that can stand up against high winds. A few viable choices for the Austin area include:
- Live oaks
- Sweetbay
- Sweetgum
- Bald cypress
- Weeping figs
- American beech
Hurricane season is upon us, but with enough preparations, you can be sure your yard is ready to meet it. And if your trees do experience damage, our storm damage tree removal in Austin, Texas will help you get your yard to rights again.