(WKYT) – Strong winds can turn trees into hazards for roofs and power lines, but a local tree expert says routine maintenance can reduce that risk before the next round of severe weather.
The danger of dense trees
A tree caught in strong winds can lose branches or fall onto power lines or homes, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Kolby Burdine of Kentucky Tree Services said many homeowners are unaware that preventative maintenance can help.
“A lot of people don’t know to do preventative maintenance on them and what it does when you do that is it allows the wind to blow through the trees and keeps them from being so dense and doesn’t catch so much wind,” Burdine said.
What to look for
Burdine said the density of a tree’s branches and leaves is one of the most preventable factors in wind damage. When branches are too dense, the tree acts as a wall against wind rather than allowing air to flow through.
“What I would recommend, if your trees are dense, and really, the wind can’t blow through them and if you look up into them and you can’t really see through them then they probably need some maintenance and I would recommend having them filter pruned just to prolong the life of the tree,” Burdine said.
Wind speeds that cause damage
Burdine said wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles per hour can result in tree damage and, in some cases, cause a tree to fall, creating roadway hazards or downing a power line.