How Extreme Weather Impacts Trees

Connecticut has been experiencing more extreme weather in recent years, and as a homeowner, it’s important to understand how these conditions might affect the trees on your property, to better prepare for potential challenges.

Lightning

When a tree is struck by lightning, the damage is immediate. The electrical current turns the water and sap inside the tree into gas, which can cause an explosion. An estimated 50% of trees that are struck by lightning die instantly. Those that survive may become weakened and more vulnerable to disease. The extent of lightning damage can range from minor cosmetic changes, such as the bark being blown off, to damaging the tree’s structural integrity by causing the trunk to splinter or shatter.

If a tree on your property gets struck by lightning, contact K&J Tree Service right away. We’re available 24/7 for emergency tree removals. If you’re unsure about the extent of damage, we’ll send a Connecticut-licensed arborist to evaluate the tree’s health and recommend a course of action.

Rainfall

Excessive rainfall turns soil into mud; when this happens, a tree’s roots lose anchorage in the ground. If strong winds occur during or after heavy rain, trees are at risk of falling, especially if they are already leaning or have an asymmetrical canopy. Also, when the ground becomes oversaturated, it causes the tiny air spaces in the soil to close, depriving the tree of oxygen. While this is not an immediate threat, long-term excessive moisture can lead to root decay, which can present through discolored leaves, dead limbs, or mushrooms growing at the tree's base. If trees on your property are suffering from excessive moisture, contact a professional to seek solutions to improve yard drainage.

Wind

Younger trees are more flexible and less likely to break during a windstorm than a more mature tree, which is more likely to become uprooted in high winds. With older, large trees, the canopy can act like a sail and catch the wind, leading to breaking limbs or even the whole tree coming down. With regular pruning, a licensed arborist can create ‘holes’ in the tree canopy to allow wind to blow through rather than fight against the winds.

Drought

Symptoms of drought stress vary depending on the tree species and the intensity of the water shortage. External signs may include wood rot, where the wood becomes sponge-like and starts breaking down, or cankers can appear, which are isolated areas of dead bark. Internally, drought can weaken a tree's defense, making it more sensitive to pesticides and affecting its ability to absorb nutrients properly. As these side effects progress, a tree becomes more likely to lose limbs and eventually die, becoming a hazard until it is safely removed.

Schedule a free tree risk assessment today.

Help safeguard your property from extreme weather. Contact K&J Tree Service to schedule a free tree risk assessment. We’ll send a Connecticut-licensed arborist to your property to identify potential hazards to help mitigate your risk of property damage before the next weather event.