Proactive Tree Care: Preserving the Canopy While Reducing Risk

Proactive tree care supports both the health of your trees and the safety of your property. At the heart of this approach is a shared goal: to reduce unnecessary tree removals and preserve the living canopy that defines our urban landscapes.

As storm season approaches each year, we often hear concerns about whether a tree is “safe.” And while no tree is ever 100% predictable - or any emergency entirely preventable - there are practical steps that can significantly reduce your risk.

The first step in this process is often the simplest - ensuring your trees are well-mulched and appropriately fertilized. From there, we consider treatments for common tree ailments and provide structural support when needed.

One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is through strategic pruning. By removing dead wood in addition to pruning overextended branches, we reduce the likelihood of limb failure which can cause damage to homes, vehicles, and other destruction. Pruning can also restore balance to a tree’s structure, especially by reducing heavy limbs that are more prone to failure during storms.

Still, every tree has its limits. Fortunately, in our region, high wind events (those with gusts over 50 mph) are relatively rare - averaging only about two per year. That doesn’t mean trees are immune to damage, but it does help put storm-related tree risk into perspective.

Environmental context plays a big role in how trees respond to wind. A tree that has grown within a grove, for example, may have less tolerance for wind exposure if its neighboring trees are removed. What was once a protected environment can quickly become vulnerable. This is important to consider when deciding which trees to keep and which to remove.

In summary, finding an acceptable level of tree-related risk is a personal decision. As Certified Arborists, our job is to help you understand your trees, reduce unnecessary removals, and make informed choices that support both your safety and our shared canopy. With the right guidance, it’s possible to strike a balance between risk mitigation and tree preservation - and we’re here to help you do just that. Contact Everett Tree Service today!