Trees may have internal damage or disease that is not visible from the outside. A certified arborist can assess trees for symptoms.
Fall in Virginia means pumpkins, crisp air, and colorful leaves — but it also brings strong winds and seasonal storms that can damage property and valuable landscape trees. Virginia Tech experts say now is the time to prepare.
“Dead limbs are always the first thing to come down in a storm,” said Tim Ohlwiler, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent in Fauquier County. “If you have dead or dying limbs, remove them before they have a chance to fall on their own.
When a branch tears off during a storm, it can do far more harm than proper pruning — it may rip bark, leaving a large wound and creating an entry point for rot that may eventually kill the tree.
“Losing one or two big branches can change the structural integrity of that tree, making it more susceptible to future wind and storm damage,” Ohlwiler said. “The risk is that the rest of the tree will come down, too.”
In addition to trees with past damage, trees that are obviously asymmetrical or leaning are especially vulnerable and should be evaluated by a certified arborist.
Tips for protecting your trees before storm season
Ohlwiler recommends these steps to keep your landscape healthy and safe:
Look up: Regularly inspect trees for dead limbs, signs of stress, or early disease.
Remove hazards early: Prune dead or dying limbs before they break off on their own.
Don’t ignore past damage: Trees with previous injuries are more likely to fail in high winds.
Get a professional opinion: Have a certified arborist assess risky trees for hidden issues, such as root damage, weak branch attachments, or internal decay.
Plant for the future: When planting new trees, consider bare-root saplings, which develop strong root systems. Perform critical structural pruning in the first three to four years to ensure healthy growth.
Ohlwiler advises tree caretakers to develop an ongoing relationship with a certified arborist to evaluate trees every three or four years.
“Even if you just ask for a consultation, you’ll gain valuable information — and you may meet someone you really trust and want to work with,” he said.
Addressing neighboring trees
If a neighbor’s tree concerns you, Ohlwiler suggests starting with a friendly conversation.
“Your neighbor may share your concern but lack the resources or knowledge to address it,” he said. “Compromise and split the cost of needed maintenance or agree to have an arborist come assess the tree. Your neighbor may not have even realized there was a problem and might be happy to have a conversation to learn more.”
If your neighbor agrees, hire an independent, certified arborist to provide a risk assessment and determine whether the tree poses a threat to nearby property.
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