Strong spring storms have already caused damage around Central Ohio, from flooding to falling trees. Wind is a covered hazard on most homeowners’ insurance policies (while floods are not, unless you have flood insurance). However, avoiding a wind claim is preferable to filing one, and we often see trees as one of the reasons claims happen during strong, windy storms.
The team at Titan Insurance Services wants your yard and home to stay great throughout the year, so we’ve compiled some tips to ensure you keep your trees and shrubs healthy and avoid destruction that can result when the wind blows.
To protect existing trees
- Exercise pruning prowess. Proper pruning is essential to ensure trees can withstand winds, so make sure you use correct pruning techniques or hire a professional.
- Trees and more trees. If you have trees that are especially susceptible to wind, consider planting more trees. Experts say to choose trees, like conifers and evergreens, to create a windbreak. As an added bonus, a windbreak placed in correct proximity to a home can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent. Keep in mind: conifers should be planted at least 20 feet away from a structure, evergreens at least 30 feet away.
When planting new trees
- Know which way the wind blows. Pay attention to the wind patterns in your area and how they affect your particular lot. Plant trees in areas where structures, such as your home, garage or shed, can serve to shelter them from the wind.
- Give them some space. Plant trees far enough away from structures and foundations. A smaller tree should have at least a 10-square-foot space to itself, and a larger tree needs at least 30 square feet.
We hope these tips will ensure that you and your yard hang tough all season long... even when the wind starts howling.
