Weathering the Storm: protecting your trees from extreme weather

In recent years, the impact of stormy weather on trees has become increasingly evident, with events like Cyclone Gabrielle leaving a lasting mark on New Zealand’s landscape. As Cyclone Gabrielle swept through the country, its fierce winds and torrential rains wreaked havoc on trees, causing widespread damage that is still having a major impact on affected communities 12 months later. One of the most significant threats posed by stormy weather to trees is the risk of structural failure. High winds can exert tremendous force on tree limbs and trunks, leading to the snapping of branches or even uprooting of entire trees. In the case of Cyclone Gabrielle, gusts reaching speeds of over 150 kilometres per hour battered trees across the region, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Older, diseased, or weakened trees are particularly vulnerable during storms, as they may lack the strength and resilience to withstand the onslaught of extreme weather. As Cyclone

Gabrielle demonstrated, even trees that appear healthy can suffer damage under such conditions, emphasizing the need for regular tree assessments and maintenance. Storm-damaged trees can also pose significant safety hazards to people and property. Fallen branches or uprooted trees can block roads, damage vehicles or property, and even cause injury or loss of life. In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, communities across New Zealand faced the daunting task of clearing debris and assessing the extent of damage inflicted by the storm. Arborists play a pivotal role in assessing the health and stability of trees, providing vital insights into potential risks, and recommending what actions are needed. Thorough inspections before and after storms enable arborists to identify and address weak points in trees, such as diseased limbs or structural defects, reducing the likelihood of stormrelated damage. Additionally, strategic pruning and thinning can help improve a tree’s resilience to high winds by reducing its overall weight and improving its aerodynamics.

At Beaver Tree Service we always prioritise clients impacted by extreme weather events. We have in the past moved crews from other locations into affected areas to ensure we helped as many people as we could as quickly as we could.

We still continue to advocate for proactive, rather than reactive, tree care and this is why we offer a free quote to customers in the regions we service. This includes an assessment of your trees and their health, as well as options to help care for your trees. Call us today to arrange a time and date and help ensure the health of your trees and future of your property.

Let’s not wait for the next extreme weather event to strike before taking action to safeguard our trees and reduce the impact of future storms.