Preparing for the Summer Storm Season in Carroll County, Maryland
Are your trees prepared for the Summer Storm Season?
In Carroll County, Maryland and the southern counties of Pennsylvania, the majority of storms that result in downed trees occur during late spring and summer, with June, July, and August identified as the peak months. These months are characterized by the highest frequency of violent thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and straight-line winds, which can easily topple trees that are heavy with foliage.
The severe weather season in Maryland, as well as patterns of tree damage, follow distinct annual cycles.
Preparing before summer storm season can significantly reduce the risk of trees damaging your home, vehicles, fences, or power lines. Having your property inspected by a tree removal service company that has a professional arborist on staff can inspect and identify any issues that most homeowners will miss.
Here are the most effective steps:
If you see any of these issues, consider having the tree evaluated by a certified arborist.
Proper pruning reduces wind resistance and the likelihood of branch failure.
Healthy trees are generally more storm-resistant.
Pay special attention to large trees close to:
A large mature tree with structural defects can pose a much greater risk than a smaller tree farther away.
Many tree failures begin underground. Damaged roots can make a tree unstable even if it appears healthy above ground.
For valuable mature trees with weak branch unions or multiple trunks, an arborist may recommend support systems to reduce the risk of storm failure.
If a tree is dead, severely decayed, or structurally unsound, using a professional tree removal service company before storm season is often safer and less expensive than dealing with storm damage afterward.
Never attempt to prune branches touching or near power lines yourself. Contact your electric utility or a qualified tree service company with utility-line clearance certification.
Summer storms in Mid-Atlantic area often bring strong winds, heavy rain, and occasional tornado warnings. Trees can fail due to saturated soil as much as wind, so monitoring drainage around large trees is also important.
A good rule of thumb: if you're wondering whether a tree is dangerous, it's usually worth getting a professional assessment before storm season rather than after a storm has already exposed a weakness. Ichabod’s Tree Experts can have a professional arborist inspect the trees on your property and provide you with recommendations and preventive measures that may help reduce the risks of downed trees during these summer storm periods.