Storm Damage - an After Action Report

Man, we had some serious winds this week. I think, in Lasalle, the winds were gusting to over 90km/he and I can imagine what it would have been a long Lake St. Clair.

Even without tree foliage acting like big green sails to bring a tree over, there was still significant property and tree damage around here, and while it wasn't as catastrophic as it could have been (think full leaf-out, but wet Spring ground) there was definitely local damage.

Now, when a tree is completely compromised in a storm, we are concerned with:

1. Assessing the risk of total failure, and the potential impact of that failure.

2. The immediate safety of the tree. Is the tree failure imminent, or will it stay out for a day or two, or even a week.

3. Is it within our tool-set to deal with the tree, or are there other companies that are better equipped to deal with the work.

With this information, we will essentially triage our work. The jobs that have high risk of total failure, with high expense/impact of total failure, and where failure is imminent, these are our priorities. As a rope access, climbing-only operation we also assess the safety of the work for a climber, a climber with a crane, or ground rigging options. If the sheer risk is too high, we will refer to companies equipped with heavier, mechanized tools like boom trucks and saw-grapples (and which, for obvious reasons, come with a significantly higher expense).

This conifer on Victory Street in Lasalle was leaning over the homeowners house and, more importantly, their residential electrical stack. It had been uprooted in the winds, and had to go.

Understanding the Risks of Compromised Trees After High Winds

Trees weakened by strong winds often develop cracks, splits, or root damage that make them unstable. While the resilience of a tree is generally impressive, and it is amazing what winds and storms they can survive, inevitably some trees, for one reason or another, are damaged in storms to the extend that we must take them down.

Sometimes, the top of the tree is sheared off- that may or may not necessitate the tree removal. Root damage, however, can be a more subtle problem. A tree laid over on its side, or laid over 30 degree into a neighbouring tree obviously necessitates action. However, the root damage can be so subtle that only on close inspection can you see disturbance in the framework root circumference at the base of the tree. This might still be a serious problem- broken framework roots not only compromise the tree anchoring, but also the movement of water, nutrients and photosynthate that nourish the tree.

The Importance of Rigging in Storm Work

Tree rigging is the use of ropes, anchors, and mechanical friction devices to lift, maneuver, and lower heavy trees or tree and logs. Most of the time when working in close quarters, you cannot just cut-and-pitch wood without doing damage to structures below. By employing modern, safe equipment and modern rigging techniques we can dismantle these colossal organic pillars with no-to-minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.

Here's the last 30 feet, or so, of a large Black Cherry that had suffered root failure and was leaning into an adjacent tree. The deflection on the adjacent tree was scary enough to avoid climbing, but with some ingenuity and proper throwbag placement, we were able to stay on the ground a lower the tree in a safe and controlled manner.

When employed correctly, tree rigging turns a dangerous, precarious and confusing situation into a safe, controlled method for removing the tree.

Tips for Homeowners After High Wind Storms

If you experience high winds in your area, here are some steps to take regarding trees on your property:

• Inspect trees for damage but do not attempt to remove large limbs yourself.

• Contact licensed arborists or tree removal services experienced in storm recovery.

• Keep children and pets away from damaged trees. Set up hi-vis cones or caution tape to protect the area.

• Document damage for insurance claims.

The second point is so important. Being pretty handy with a chainsaw is no substitute for equipment and training when dealing with these problems. Skilled arborists aren't bravdo-filled adrenaline junkies trying to make a quick buck, and in most cases experienced arborists have dealt with hundreds of danger trees in our career. We are not fearless, and we are not reckless. We climb and piece down these lethal structures safely, and with precision.

I frequently have clients who either experienced a tree mishap and know personally two people who were paralyzed as a result of 'DIY Tree Work'. It's a dangerous game- consider this before pulling the chainsaw out of the garage, and having at 'er.

Closing Thoughts

This week was an interesting, challenging week and we feel that, by being available, and offering timely work at fair prices, we provided a valuable service to our community here in Lasalle and Windsor. It's a great place to live, and we are grateful and happy to be part of it. If you have any questions about your trees, or are interested in getting a quote for some tree work, by all means reach out!