Expert Contribution

From Fire Season to Storm Season: Prepare Your Trees Now

As summer begins to wind down in the Danville area, it’s easy to start thinking ahead to cooler weather, rain and the holidays. But for your trees, this time of year is an important transition period.

Fire season isn’t over yet, and winter storms are right around the corner. Early fall is a great time to walk your property, take a closer look at your trees and address potential problems before the weather changes.

Fire Safety Still Matters Even as temperatures begin to cool, dry vegetation, dead branches and accumulated debris can continue to create a fire hazard around your home. Removing deadwood, clearing excessive debris and properly maintaining trees can help reduce available fuel around your property. Trees growing close to structures, roofs, driveways and other high-use areas should also be evaluated for dead, damaged or weak branches. Proper tree care doesn’t mean stripping or excessively thinning a tree. In fact, over-pruning can weaken trees and create additional problems. The goal is to maintain healthy, structurally sound trees while reducing unnecessary hazards.
Get Ready for Winter Before the First Big Storm Our first major winter storm has a way of exposing tree problems that were easy to overlook during the summer.
Heavy rain and strong winds can put tremendous stress on trees, especially those with:
• Dead or broken branches
• Heavy or unbalanced canopies
• Cracks or weak branch unions
• Previous storm damage
• Root or soil problems
• Branches growing over roofs,
vehicles or other structures
Taking care of these concerns before winter weather arrives can help reduce the chance of unexpected tree or limb failures during a
storm.
Some Tree Work Is Best Done in the Cooler Months
Fall and winter can also be an ideal time to plan certain types of pruning. Depending on the
species, dormant-season pruning can improve structure, remove dead or damaged wood and
prepare trees for healthy spring growth.
Every tree is different, which is why having a knowledgeable tree professional evaluate your
property can help determine what actually needs attention — and, just as importantly, what
should be left alone.
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Healthy, well-maintained trees add tremendous beauty and value to our Danville properties. They provide shade, privacy and character, and many have been growing in our neighborhoods for decades.
Taking care of them before winter doesn’t just make your property look better. It can help protect your trees, your home and the people around them. Now is a great time to prepare for winter while continuing to stay fire-conscious. Don’t wait until the first big wind and rain event to discover that a tree needed attention. Terry’s Tree Service has been serving homeowners throughout Danville and the surrounding communities since 2007. Our experienced team and ISA Certified Arborists can evaluate your trees, identify potential concerns and recommend the appropriate care for your property.

Terry’s Tree Service, Inc. Protect the trees that define your property.


About The Author

Tree Service
Terry Powell
Terry’s Tree Service
(925) 449-2087

Terry’s Tree Service, Inc. provides a complete range of tree services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In addition to planting, trimming, shaping and removing all types of trees, the company offers specialized services, including yard clean-up, pet rescue, fire prevention, brush chipping, stump grinding, and more.

View All Contributions