A Changing Season

September is here and before long, the leaves will start changing and falling. While most of us are looking forward to cooler temperatures and a little less humidity, this is also a good time to take a look at the trees around your property.

Once the leaves are gone, some problems become much easier to spot. But there are a few things you can look for now, while your trees are still fully leafed out.

Start by looking for dead or broken branches. Are there limbs hanging over your house, driveway, or areas where your family spends time? Dead branches can become a problem during a strong wind or winter storm, so it’s better to address them before the weather turns.

Take a look at the overall shape of your trees, too. Is a tree leaning more than it used to? Do you see branches rubbing against each other, large cracks, cavities, or areas of decay? These are all things worth having a closer look at.

September is also a good time to think about how your trees handled the summer. Did you notice leaves turning brown early, branches dying back, or a tree looking noticeably different from previous years? Heat, drought, insects, and disease can all take a toll on trees, and sometimes the signs don’t become obvious until later in the season.

Don’t forget about the trees that may be affected by winter weather. A tree that already has structural problems may not handle heavy snow, ice, or strong winter winds very well. You don’t have to be a tree expert to notice that something doesn’t look right. If you see something concerning, it’s time to have a professional take a look.

Fall is a great time to get ahead of tree problems rather than waiting for a winter storm to point them out for you. A little attention now can go a long way toward keeping your trees and property safer through the winter.