Hurricane-force winds and severe weather can transform trees into destructive giants that threaten homes and property. Even the swirling winds of an EF1 tornado, which Virginia can encounter in early spring, can turn our beautiful oaks and maples into damaging forces of nature, leading to costly damage to homes.
What causes trees to fall in Virginia?
On April 15, 2017, tornadoes touched down in Lynchburg and surrounding areas leaving significant damage. Downed trees pulled down power lines, closed roads, and caused damage to businesses and homes.
Even a significant heavy rain after a period of drought can bring large trees down around your home. Take a look at the Shurtleff's double tree catastrophe in Charlottesville. Thank goodness their house was not damaged! If it were, home insurance usually covers the damage.
You get the picture! Fallen trees can cause significant damage to homes, ranging from minor damage to complete structural collapse and can even damage a home's foundation. Virginia routinely ranks as a top 10 state for significant hurricane damage with an estimated 409,000 homes at risk. And trees are one of the major risks for damage to a home in Virginia.
How to prevent tree damage to your home
Justin, our NNINS home claims expert, says there's not a lot you can do to stop the powerful force of a tornado or hurricane or the excessive rains that saturate the ground causing massive trees to topple. But you may be able to prevent damage to your home by picking the right trees, the right location, and taking proper care of them. It's also important to consider your neighbor. Things can get sticky between neighbors when a tree damages someone else's property!
Warning signs a tree may be prone to falling
Here are signs to look for that could indicate a tree is weak and compromised:
- Mushrooms growing around roots
- Rainwater pooling around the tree base
- Leaning with cracked or buckling soil or exposed roots on the opposite side
- Hollow pockets, cavities, or decay
- Signs of illness: lack of foliage or insects like carpenter ants at the base of the tree
- Signs of damage: exposed roots, peeling bark, deep cracks, partially detached or suspended limbs or stem tops
If you notice any of these signs, you may just decide to remove the tree. This job may need to be done by a professional if its too big or dangerous to safely do yourself.
When to hire a tree professional
Destructive weather is getting more frequent and downright expensive for Virginians. While you may not be able to control the next round of severe weather that comes through, you might prevent damage to your home, property, and neighborhood. Keeping your trees healthy and taking care of the ones that are not are a great start!
Sources:
https://ibhs.org/thunderstorm-ready/
THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
