Fall in Peterborough and the Kawarthas means cooler temperatures, colourful leaves, and the not-so-distant reminder that winter is coming. Before the first freeze arrives, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the trees around your property.
Dead, damaged, or weakened branches are more likely to fail in strong winds, heavy snow, or ice. Pruning before storm season can help address these hazards before winter weather adds stress to your trees.
At CBL Tree Service, our professional tree pruning services help homeowners identify potential problems and determine which branches may need attention to keep their trees and properties safer. In this blog, we’ll cover what to look for during your fall tree check and when it may be time to call us!
Check Your Trees Before the Leaves Are Gone
You don’t need to be an arborist to give your trees a quick visual inspection. Pruning before storm season starts with walking around your property and looking up into the canopy for anything that seems unusual.
Your fall tree prep checklist should include watching for:
- Dead or leafless branches
- Broken or hanging limbs
- Cracks or splits in larger branches
- Branches extending over your roof, driveway, or walkways
- Limbs rubbing or crossing against each other
- Changes in the tree’s lean or overall structure
- Damage left behind by previous storms
Some problems are easy to spot from the ground, while others can be hidden higher in the canopy. If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, professional tree pruning services can help identify potential hazards and determine whether any branches need attention.
And when it comes to questionable branches overhead, climbing a ladder with a chainsaw is one fall activity we recommend skipping!
Regular seasonal inspections can make it easier to catch small concerns before rough weather puts your trees to the test. For more things to watch for around your property, check out our blog on tree care tips and resources.
How Proper Tree Pruning Can Help Trees Weather Storms
Healthy trees are naturally built to withstand changing weather, but damaged or poorly structured branches can become vulnerable when conditions get rough.
Strategic pruning removes dead, broken, or hazardous limbs while improving the tree’s overall structure. Professional tree pruning services can also address branches growing too close to homes, garages, power lines, or other areas where a falling limb could cause significant damage.
The goal isn’t to remove as many branches as possible. Over-pruning can create its own problems. Instead, proper pruning focuses on identifying branches of concern and making careful cuts that support the tree’s health and structure.
When Pruning Is Not Enough
Unfortunately, not every hazardous tree can be made safe through pruning.
Extensive decay, major structural damage, root problems, severe leaning, or significant storm damage can sometimes mean the entire tree needs to be considered. In these situations, removing a few branches may not address the underlying risk.
That’s why we highly recommend an assessment. At CBL Tree Service, owner and ISA Certified Arborist Joe Corkery personally visits properties to evaluate trees and discuss the appropriate options with homeowners. If pruning can safely address the concern, we’ll recommend it. If the tree poses a greater hazard, Joe will walk you through what he’s seeing, explain your options clearly, and help you decide on the safest next step for your tree and property.
Don’t Wait for the First Winter Storm, Call CBL
Fall gives you a chance to address deadwood and potentially hazardous branches before snow, ice, and strong winds arrive. Scheduling your professional tree pruning services before winter can help address potential trouble spots while conditions are still favourable for tree work.
If a storm does catch you first, our team at CBL Tree Service also provides storm cleanup services for fallen trees, broken limbs, and other tree-related damage.
Get ahead of potential hazards while conditions are still favourable for tree work. Contact us or request a quote when you’re ready!