Between seasonal wind and sudden, heavy snow storms, emergency tree work sometimes feels like a full time job in Boulder County, Colorado. While it can be tempting to try to take care of a damaged limb or tree yourself, please keep in mind that trees, especially when damaged, may respond in unpredictable ways that can quickly become dangerous. A better option is to rely on the experience and skill of ISA certified arborists to safely and efficiently address your emergency tree care needs.
No two trees are alike, even within a species; the physiology of each individual tree is the result of genetics as well as a lifetime of different factors. Soil quality, weather patterns, water availability, old structural damage or stressors, and even past pruning all play a huge role in how a tree grows. In particular, old damage or poor pruning can result in weakly attached limbs and a general lack of structural integrity. Oftentimes, these structural defects aren’t visible from the outside of the tree, and despite a somewhat healthy appearance these trees can fail suddenly, especially during a storm or snow event, by splitting, dropping limbs, or falling over completely. If this happens with your tree, call an ISA certified arborist as soon as possible to assess the situation. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) requires members to participate in ongoing education, as well as demonstrate an ability to carry out tree care skills that are the current industry standard. Tree health, professional experience, and safety are all ISA priorities, so hiring ISA certified arborists ensures that your emergency tree work will be completed safely and without causing more damage to your home or landscape.
Another great reason to hire licensed and insured arborists to address your emergency or storm damage needs is equipment. Different jobs require different sizes of chainsaw, and some work may require access with a bucket truck. If a large tree has fallen, a grapple may be necessary to move heavy sections of trunk. Finally, chipper trucks make cleanup and wood disposal, an otherwise insurmountable task, much easier. Most homeowners don’t own these specialized pieces of equipment, making an already dangerous job more difficult.
Safe and effective tree care requires more planning, situational awareness, and skill than most people realize. Drop zone, wood quality, and nearby electrical lines are just a few of the many factors certified arborists must consider when developing a plan to address emergency tree work. If you find yourself in a situation requiring emergency tree work, don’t risk your own safety by trying to handle it yourself; call the certified arborists at Blue River Forestry and Tree Care immediately for a free estimate for your storm-related or emergency tree work.
