Grant Brothers warns homeowners to inspect trees before storms

Grant Brothers Tree Service is urging Northern Virginia homeowners to check trees before severe weather hits, pointing to dead limbs, trunk damage and root problems that can turn into dangerous failures. The company says a quick pre-storm inspection can help reduce risks to homes, vehicles and people.

Why it matters: - Trees with hidden defects can fail during strong winds and put homes, vehicles, walkways and utility lines at risk. - Early inspection can help homeowners address hazards while weather is calm and professional help is easier to schedule. - A warning sign does not always mean removal is needed, but it can signal a need for pruning, support, monitoring or removal.

What happened: - Grant Brothers Tree Service is urging homeowners across Northern Virginia to inspect trees on their properties before severe weather arrives. - The company says dead branches, trunk damage, root problems and structural defects can be hard to spot from the ground. - Stefano Devigili, president at Grant Brothers Tree Service, said: “Storm preparation starts before the weather turns. A few minutes spent looking for dead branches, trunk damage or changes around a tree’s base can help homeowners spot potential problems while there is still time to address them safely.”

The details: - Grant Brothers recommends a three-part inspection for homeowners. - First, look up for dead, hanging, broken or partially attached limbs in the crown and larger branches. - Pay special attention to branches over roofs, driveways, walkways, vehicles and other exposed areas. - Second, look across for cracks, cavities, decay, damaged areas or weak branch attachments on the trunk and major limbs. - Third, look down for exposed roots, disturbed or raised soil, ground changes and a new or worsening lean at the tree base. - Trees near homes, garages, vehicles, utility lines and other structures deserve extra attention because the damage from a failure is greater. - Previous storm damage can leave split limbs, broken branches and trunk injuries that are not always obvious later. - A professional evaluation can help determine whether pruning, removal, structural support or continued monitoring is appropriate. - Homeowners should not try to remove large, unstable or hard-to-reach branches themselves. - Tree work involving climbing, chainsaws, power lines or structures can create serious safety risks. - During severe weather, homeowners should stay indoors, stay away from windows and avoid standing or parking under trees. - After a storm, homeowners should stay away from downed trees and power lines. - If a tree or branch falls on a power line, homeowners should not approach or move it and should contact the utility company or emergency services as appropriate.

Between the lines: - The message is less about storm cleanup and more about prevention, with the company pushing homeowners to assess risk before weather turns dangerous. - The guidance also draws a line between visible damage and actual structural risk, which often requires a trained arborist to evaluate.

What's next: - Homeowners who spot defects can arrange a professional tree assessment before the next severe weather event. - Grant Brothers says that assessment can help clarify the safest next step. - More information is available in the company's announcement and at virginiatreecare.com.

The bottom line: - A quick tree check before a storm can help prevent property damage and reduce the risk of injury.