☰ ˟
Contact Us Today / 800.845.0489
info@insurancestationinc.com
Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Google Icon
The Insurance Station
  • Home
  • Get A Quote
  • Types of Coverage
    • Personal
    • Business
    • Agribusiness
    • Life Insurance
  • Meet Our Team
  • Make A Payment
  • Submit A Claim
  • Resources
    • Partners Page
    • Our Companies
    • Important Links
    • Downloadable Forms
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Blog
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Testimonials
    • Location & Hours
What type of coverage do you need?
Home > Blog > Avoid Ice Storm Damage by Spotting Hazardous Trees
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Avoid Ice Storm Damage by Spotting Hazardous Trees

Tree on houseOne of the worst types of winter storms is the ice storm. Unlike snow which normally doesn't adhere to the branches and trunk of a tree, freezing ice will coat and weigh it down with a heavy load. This extra weight places severe stress on the tree.

Trees that fall in ice storms often do so because they had a weakness that could have been spotted ahead of time had the property owner thought to look for them. Fallen trees and branches damage homes, property and even cause electrical outages when they take out power lines. While the subject of tree weaknesses is very extensive, four of the important ones are considered below.

Multiple Tree Trunks

A large tree with more than one trunk is a problem because the area where they join together tends to be weak. This is especially true when the trunks join in a V-shape. If one or more of these trunks are leaning outward at a severe angle, they are at risk of falling in an ice storm.

Dead Branches

It's just a matter of time before a dead branch falls. The longer it stays up in the tree, the more it weakens from decay. Any dead branch that is large enough to cause damage or harm, should be removed immediately.

Leaning Trees

A leaning tree is not necessarily at risk of falling if its tilt is not pronounced and if it's always been that way. If the tilt of a tree is noticeably increasing, it is going to fall. If you've just noticed a leaning tree on your property, then inspecting its roots will give you a good indication of its stability. If the ground on the opposite side of the lean is cracked or raised up, it means that the tree is in the process of toppling over. The ground is raised and cracked because it is beginning to give way to the leverage created by the leaning tree.

Construction Near a Tree

Construction requiring digging in the root zone of a tree means that roots have probably been severed. One of the functions of roots is to serve as anchorage for the tree. When these are severed, the tree is in danger of falling in the direction opposite the severed roots. The closer the construction's proximity to the tree trunk, the greater the danger.

Before an ice storm strikes, inspect your trees for the above weaknesses. If any trees look questionable, get them checked, repaired or removed. Preventing injury, property damage and an unnecessary home insurance claim are your top priorities.

Protect your property during winter’s harsh weather. Call The Insurance Station at (800) 845-0489 for more information on Des Moines home insurance.

Posted 7:03 PM

Tags: insurance, homeowners, home insurance, tree safety, winter storms, storm preparedness, iowa, des moines, altoona
Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2015

  • insurance(8)
  • iowa(6)
  • des moines(6)
  • farm insurance(5)
  • life insurance(4)
  • health insurance(3)
  • safety(3)
  • home insurance(3)
  • coverage(3)
  • workers compensation(3)
  • altoona(2)
  • homeowners(2)
  • benefits(2)
  • business insurance(2)
  • partner(1)
  • winery(1)
  • winter storms(1)
  • farm equipment(1)
  • la vida loca(1)
  • agribusiness(1)
  • animal(1)
  • flood insurance(1)
  • motorcycle equipment(1)
  • storm preparedness(1)
  • tree safety(1)
  • insurance myths(1)
  • farm equipment insurance(1)
  • umbrella insurance(1)
  • mobile home insurance(1)
  • business(1)
  • care custody and control insurance(1)
  • policy(1)
  • commercial(1)
  • animal control professionals(1)
  • tractor insurance(1)
  • farm(1)
  • compensation(1)
  • risk(1)
  • agriculture(1)
  • loss(1)
  • motorcycle insurance(1)
  • medicine(1)
  • nuisance(1)
  • workers(1)
  • gazebos(1)
  • affordable care act(1)
  • control(1)
  • car insurance(1)
  • auto(1)
  • renters insurance(1)

View Mobile Version

Our Customer Feedback

Read More

Our latest blogs

  • Secura Insurance
  • West Bend
  • Auto Owners
  • Pekin Insurance
  • Hastings Mutual
  • Donegal
  • Acuity
The Insurance Station
116 2nd St SE
Altoona, IA 50009

800.845.0489
We've successfully served hundreds of customers and are determined to treat each individual with respect and compassion. Shopping for insurance can be difficult, but our staff does the work for you. Maintain your peace of mind knowing that our insurance professionals have your back.
We're here for you
Home Page/ About Us/ Contact Us/ Our Blog/ Refer A Friend
Quick Help Links
Quote Forms/ Service Forms/ File a Claim/ Make a Payment/ Insurance Glossary
Facebook Twitter Google
© Copyright. All rights reserved. Powered by Insurance Website Builder