Talking about tree damage can be a hard subject matter if you are a homeowner that has trees. You probably have invested a lot of resources in your trees. Seeing them damaged isn’t the best situation. 

Aside from taking steps to avoid tree damage, it’s also vital to diagnose tree damage issues. Not only do you have to figure out whether your tree is salvageable or not, but you might also have to figure out if a professional tree service in Charlottesville VA is needed for the task.  

Tree Damage Types 

A lot of areas of a tree can get damaged and influence the health of a tree. A couple of forms of damage to look for include: 

• Damaged or Broken Branches or Tree Limbs 

If strong lightning, hail, or wind affects the branches of a tree, it might become damaged to the point where you have to get rid of it. 

• Damaged Tree Roots 

This can particularly happen in construction sites. If this form of damage is not addressed, the tree’s lifespan can decline or shorten severely. 

• Trunk Wounds 

Superficial damage and holes can still cause a lot of issues to trees. You have to carefully monitor them. 

• Damaged Tree Bark 

It’s vital that the tree bark damage is seriously addressed, whether removed by a storm or a man-made accident. The reason for this is that bark is a barrier for the tree against disease and pests.  

Storm Damage 

Storm damage is a feasible possibility if there are trees on your property. You cannot avoid storms. It’s vital to be prepared to care for trees damaged after a storm, from lightning impacts to severe winds that cause limbs to break. Treating trees after storm damage is a vital step towards making sure the trees thrive and survive for years to come. 

Impact Accidents 

It may be the worst nightmare of a property owner. A car crashes through the property and does damage. An impact accident can result in the tree getting damaged, uprooted, or knocked beyond repair when trees are involved. It’s vital to get an estimate of how to treat the damaged tree. This will ensure that the tree can thrive and survive after the accident.  

Treating Damaged Trees 

You should begin by identifying what type of damage the tree has suffered and the issue’s severity. Are the bark and trunk damaged? Were tree branches broken? Answer to these questions can help you figure out your approach. 

It will probably heal a lot faster if the tree is younger or the damage is slight. However, older trees with exposed bark or major damage on the trunk need more attention. A couple of indications a tree will have to be eliminated include too much damage to the leafy crown of the tree, a split tree, or a tree that only has the trunk left. If this is the case for you, you have to hire a professional tree removal company to get rid of the tree safely. This is not a DIY job that you can do on your own.   

Checking the damage to your house is very important if a storm has made its way through your area. However, if not properly done, you can be putting yourself in even more risk. It does not matter what amount of tree damage has happened, it can feel daunting.  

After you contact a professional 24 hour storm clean up company, here are several things you should do while waiting. 

Search for Dangers Before You Do Anything 

Oftentimes, damaged trees can be tangled in affected electrical lines. You should not go near them or touch them. If there is no threat from utility wires, the first thing you’ve got to do is ensure there aren’t any possible safety threats: 

• Protect your family and property from danger 

• Search for hanging branches that can fall on your family or house. 
• Have a professional arborist get rid of branches or trees that have fallen on your home. 

• Have Utility Wires Handled Professionally 

• Call your utility provider to have a professional check the possible risk and safely get rid of them. 
• Treat every electrical wire as if they’re live. 

Check the Damage 

Oftentimes, the damage to a tree is minor with only tiny limbs affected. With the help of an expert tree service company, you should take your time to determine which trees you need to remove or trees you can save. Factor in the sentimental value, location, species, and age of a tree. Keep in mind that a tree can’t often be saved or simply is not worth it.  

• Trees that you have to get rid include 

• Trees tipped by the wind 
• Trees with a split trunk 
• Diseased trees 

• Trees you can save include 

• Trees that will be valuable and appealing after being fixed 
• Trees with more than 60% of the crown intact 

Hire a Tree Removal Company for the Cleanup 

It’s common for non-certified individuals to knock on the door after a storm to provide tree cleanup services. They’re known for suggesting tree topping. For those who don’t know, this isn’t an ideal tree practice. That’s why always hire a certified and experienced arborist.  

• You should not prune or top stormed damaged trees. This will make them more prone to damage in future storms.  

• You can clean up small-sized tree debris on the ground. 
• A professional arborist should perform major tree cleanup and repair. 

Avoiding Damage in the Future 

If you plan ahead, you can lower the risk of damage from future storms. Getting the help of an expert arborist is the ideal way to protect against possible storm damage. 

• Try to avoid trees that cause damage in storms. These includes: 

• Empress tree 
• Bradford Pear 
• Silver Maple 
• Leyland Cypress 
• Cottonwood 

• Promote Excellent Branch Angles 

• If the branches of a tree grow together too closely, either has adequate space to add the wood required for strength. Thus, getting rid of 1-2 branches if the tree is young can avoid problems in the future.  

Your house can experience a range of weather conditions and temperatures during the winter months. To make your home comfortable, you need to have a heating unit that can provide warmth to your house. There are a couple of factors you’ve got to think about when you’re buying a new furnace.  

An effective furnace plays a huge role in keeping your house comfortable and warm during the winter. However, how can you choose the right furnace? Here are several tips from several professional Spokane furnace repair companies. 

Talk to a Professional 

You should consider an HVAC professional as an indispensable resource. They’ve worked on or installed a lot of heating units. Thus, they know what systems can be ideal for you. they can conduct a load calculation to consider factors unique to your house. This includes the number of occupants and the size of your house.  

Think About the Overall Cost of Ownership 

The overall cost of ownership considers repair, maintenance, installation, and energy use costs for your new furnace. Over the years, a couple of furnaces hold up better compared to others. Thus, you will not have to spend a lot of money to keep them operating. You may also find furnaces that take less effort or time to install. Thus, your upfront expenses will lower.  

It can be a bit overwhelming to calculate the overall cost of ownership. There are a couple of factors and ratings involved that influence how your furnace will perform. 

Check AFUE Ratings 

The Annual Fuel Use Efficiency (AFUE) of a furnace defines the total energy efficiency of the furnace. AFUE ratings are expressed as percentages. It will have higher efficiency if the numbers are higher. Gas furnaces usually have 98% in their AFUE ratings. On the other hand, oil has around 60 to 80% AFUE ratings.  

The type of fuel is not the only aspect to think about. You have to check a couple of furnace units to figure out what will provide you the ideal cost savings.  

Pay Attention to Fuel Prices 

It’s also vital to consider that oil prices fluctuate more compared to gas prices. Costs can drop one month. After that, it might increase next month. Thus, you’ve got to be ready for those fluctuations. Think about a gas furnace if you require more consistency since they’ll provide more predictable monthly costs. 

The Ideal Fuel Type 

There are various fuels that can power furnaces. This includes wood, oil, and coal. However, the most popular one is natural gas. An oil or gas-powered unit will offer the high-efficiency heating you require to keep you at ease and lower your utility bill. 

Usually, gas furnaces cost more when compared to oil furnaces. However, they’ve got better efficiency ratings. You will spend more to buy and install the furnace. However, you’ll save money as time passes by since your utility bills will be lowered. Oil furnaces work best for homeowners who require a budget-friendly choice from the outset. A lot of models still provide great efficiency.