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Minimize Storm Damage: Inspect Your Trees

Let’s talk about trees and how they can cause considerable disturbance to the neighborhood, as the local news recently reported:

A fast-moving storm this afternoon toppled trees, knocking out power in several areas in Winston-Salem, authorities said.

Fallen trees are blocking Robinhood Road at Silas Creek Parkway and on Robinhood Road between Peace Haven and Chester roads, a city police dispatcher said. One lane of traffic now is open on Robinhood Road.

Fallen trees also are blocking the 800 block of Yorkshire Road and the Business 40 exit ramp to Knollwood Street, the dispatcher said.

The fallen trees have caused 1,061 Duke Energy customers to lose electricity in Forsyth County, according to the company’s website.

The Winston-Salem Police Department has contacted Duke Energy to repair the power lines and city crews are working to remove the fallen trees.

Did you know that a tree will usually display warning signs before it topples over? Yes you can tell if one of your trees is in danger of falling over and you can do something about it.

After a harsh or sudden storm, walk around and look at your trees, top to bottom and you will likely notice changes in foliage, branches, roots, and bark. Take time to inspect all sides, both up close and from a distance. Check for any cuts in or peeling bark.

While trees usually don’t grow straight, and a little slant is normal, conspicuously leaning trees are particularly alarming. If you notice a heaving soil especially on the side opposite the lean this is a sign of poor weight distribution and it is clearly dangerous. When your tree starts to lean because of anchor root damage – or there are exposed roots around the base of the tree, it’s likely unstable. This is a good time to seek out for the advice of an arborist.

It pays to be mindful because the weight and force of tree branches falling onto your roof due to a storm or high winds can cause shingles to crack, break or come off completely. Obviously, you’ll notice if a tree fell on your roof. Avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself and instead stay out of your home until a professional contractor for roofing in Winston-Salem NC can determine whether any structural damage occurred.

Hire the proven services of ABC Roofing & Exteriors and its team of highly-skilled Winston Salem roofers to check if your home suffered structural damage, as you will probably need more than roof repairs.

(Article Excerpt from Storm topples trees, knocks out power in Winston-Salem, news-record.com, June 19, 2014)