Storms can happen any time of year. Late summer and fall traditionally can bring some challenging weather related work to tree companies. The combination of weather patterns, depending on geographic area, that can result in thunderstorms, saturated soils, high winds, hurricanes, or even early wet heavy snowfalls can challenge the strongest of trees’ canopy structures and root systems — leaving tree crews to come in to clean up the mess. Everyday tree work is, by nature, a physically demanding and dangerous occupation; and the addition of downed power lines, poor footing, bad driving conditions, trees down in precarious positions, or wood under unknown stresses/forces does not make the occupation any simpler or safer.
Trees moved from their normal upright habit or position by storm forces are under terrific stress and strain. If care is not taken to release these forces slowly and under control, the unsuspecting tree crew may experience an explosion of woody shrapnel and objects. Good work practices and habits, along with following the proper safety guidelines will help a great deal in making storm situations safer, some basic knowledge of what to look out for, along with some specific techniques or methods, will not only help with safety, but also efficiency, which can always be quite challenging in storm work.