5 Tips to Help Prevent Tree Trouble
Trees are pretty amazing things. They produce oxygen. They serve as
natural air conditioners, both by blocking sunlight and through evaporation.
And they even absorb sounds, helping to keep things peaceful.
These benefits, along with countless others, are great reasons to keep the trees on your RVA property in good shape. Looking for another? Unhealthy trees can actually pose great danger to your home and property, as well as to your family and other people.
With these tips from the National Arbor Day Foundation, you can help prevent tree trouble – and potentially save yourself from a home insurance claim:
- Inspect trees
frequently. The size, color and condition of leaves, and overall leaf cover, are good
indicators of a tree’s health. Cavities or disfiguration can be a warning sign,
although they don’t always mean a tree is a hazard. Just keep a close eye on
it. Dead branches are a big risk, because they can fall easily. Those that
cross or rub can create weak spots.
- Plant in an
appropriate space. Putting in a tree that will grow to be large? Don’t put it near power or
sewer lines, or close to your home. And avoid brittle trees – their limbs are
weak and more likely to break and fall. Examples include Silver Maples and
Willows.
- Prune
correctly. Cut outside the branch collar, and prune regularly as trees age. Don’t
allow a tree to be topped.
- Leave it to
an expert. Once a year, have a qualified arborist thoroughly evaluate the trees on
your property. An arborist can identify ones that need to come down immediately,
as well as those to watch. In particular, trees that have been topped, or that
have lost large limbs unexpectedly, could cause trouble. Taking down trees can
be very dangerous, so leave it to a professional.
- Remember, you’re responsible. Property owners are generally responsible when their hazardous trees cause damage or injury to others. So keep your trees healthy, your space beautiful and your liability low!
When a tree does fall, you may or may not have coverage through your homeowners policy for any damage it may cause. If you’d like to discuss your coverage, please give us a call today. It may be a good time to think about adding extra liability coverage to your insurance portfolio with an umbrella policy. Give us a call at 804-320-0129 or email myagent@kmicoverage.com.