A fall storm has put branches all over the yard? You are not sure about the safety of a tree that is leaning? And you may be at a loss as to what to do and what to leave to the pros.
One does not have to live in Brunswick County long to be aware of how fast the weather can change in the fall. We at A+ Tree & Landscaping have been in this part of the world for 30 years and more, and we would like to put some advice at your disposal for a safe cleanup. Before you pick up the phone at (910) 507-7273 for assistance, there are a few things you should know.
Make Sure It Is Safe
Do yourself a favour and put in a leisurely walk of the property before you so much as touch a branch. In coastal North Carolina a fall storm will conceal its perils from an initial viewing. There could be downed limbs in power lines or a tree with a sound appearance but a trunk or roots that are compromised.
On your first pass around, check for:
- Limbs broken off yet still in the canopy
- Fallen debris in contact with or close to power lines
- Any tree with a greater lean than was there prior to the storm
- Splits or cracks on the trunk and larger limbs
- The ground being soft or muddy, an indication of an unstable tree
- Roots that are lifted or exposed at the base
If you see such things, stay away. Do not go near a power line, let the professionals handle it.
Get the Simple Debris Out of the Way
Assuming you have no safety concerns, the smaller tasks can be done by the homeowner. Raking leaves, putting small twigs in order and opening up the walkways is within most people’s means and will give you a better view of what remains to be done.
You might as well inspect your gutters and downspouts while at it. A fall storm will pack them with leaves and the like which is a recipe for drainage issues in the future; get them clear now and you will not have to deal with it later.
That said, be realistic. If a job calls for a chainsaw or a ladder or climbing up to a damaged tree, it is not something to be taken on for a weekend. That is where one gets hurt.
Leave the Risky Business to a Pro
Our team at A+ is headed by an ISA-certified master arborist and fourth-generation climber who knows the proper way to deal with a hazard.
We would have you make a call if you have:
- A large limb overhanging a car, the home or driveway
- A tree that has been pushed toward a structure by the storm
- Cracked trunks
- Unstable trees due to root damage
- Stumps from a fallen tree
- Damage in the vicinity of power lines
All too often a person will put off making a call and then the next storm comes along and a weakened tree gives way. Better to err on the side of caution and have it inspected.
Prepare for What Is to Come
Then there is the matter of getting ready for the next bout of bad weather. After the clean up is finished, a little trimming and pruning goes a long way to stop limbs from breaking. An arborist can put in cabling and bracing for a structurally unsound tree that is worth keeping. He can also make a diagnosis of a tree that is fine looking on the surface but has disease or decay within. It is a headache best avoided.
Round the Clock Service
We do not adhere to business hours when there is a storm. A+ Tree & Landscaping is available 24/7 for emergencies in Brunswick County from Oak Island to Leland, Southport and Sunset Beach, as well as Shallotte, Holden Beach, Varnamtown and Wilmington. As a veteran-owned, family operation we are licensed and insured and our customers have given us a 4.9 star rating.
We can take care of a full storm cleanup or just a hazardous limb or stump, and we will do it safely. For your convenience we will take Visa and Mastercard, as well as cash, check, Venmo or Cash App. Free estimates are provided so there are no surprises.
Call us at (910) 507-7273 and let our certified staff do the heavy lifting. Do not put your family or property in harm’s way because of some storm damage. Day or night we are here.
