After a strong storm in Arvada, you may walk outside and notice a tree leaning at an angle that wasn’t there before. You may also assume it’s a lost cause, and you’ll have to schedule tree services in Arvada, CO, to take it down.
You may not realize that those same tree care experts also know how to fix a leaning tree after a storm. In many cases, they can save trees that have shifted, leaving them healthy and strong for years to come.
Why Trees Lean After Storms and the First Steps to Fixing Them
When a storm blows through Arvada, the heavy rain softens the soil around the tree’s base. As strong wind gusts push against the canopy, the roots loosen and cause the tree to tilt. It might not look like much from a distance, but even a slight lean can mean the roots have shifted more than expected.
This is most likely to happen to trees with shallow roots. The best thing to do is have an arborist take a look to evaluate the root disturbance, the trunk condition, and the angle of the lean. Skipping this step can create problems, which determine whether the tree can be corrected safely.
Some trees can’t be saved, but if it leans less than 30 degrees from vertical, has minimal root lift, and a solid trunk, there’s a good chance it can be fixed. If the tree snapped at the base, is severely leaning, or has more than half of its roots ripped out, removal is the best option.
How To Straighten Trees After Wind Damage
Arborists use several methods to straighten a leaning tree safely, but they all involve gently pulling it back into position. They start by loosening the soil around the base so the roots aren’t under as much stress. Then the tree is slowly pulled upright. After that, the root ball gets reset with fresh soil.
After repositioning, tree bracing and corrective techniques for leaning trees typically include staking or cabling. For smaller trees, stakes are placed outside the root zone and secured with flexible ties to allow slight movement, which encourages the tree to rebuild strength naturally. Overly tight restraints could weaken the trunk over time.
But how do arborists stabilize storm-damaged leaning trees that can’t be staked? Installing a cabling system in the canopy to redistribute weight usually does the trick.
Repairing and supporting trees after wind damage doesn’t stop once the tree is upright. Watering, mulching, and a bit of careful pruning all help the tree recover. Damaged branches may also need trimming to reduce stress.
Get Expert Tree Help After a Storm
A tree that’s starting to tilt doesn’t always mean it’s time for removal. Sometimes the lean looks worse than it actually is, but it’s not something to guess at.
For help from a team that knows how to fix a leaning tree after a storm, contact Arbortec Tree Service at (303) 466-3175. Professional care ensures proper tree wind resistance and long-term health.