Storm Prep: Is Your Tree Ready for an Atmospheric River?

The "Sail Effect" and Sacramento Storms

In recent years, Sacramento has been hit hard by "Atmospheric Rivers." The combination of saturated, soggy soil and 50mph wind gusts is the number one cause of tree failure in our area.

What is the Sail Effect?

Imagine your tree is a sailboat. A dense canopy acts like a sail, catching the wind. If the wind force is stronger than the root system's grip in the wet soil, the tree topples.

How to Prepare (Before the Storm)

Reactionary tree service is expensive. Preventative maintenance is affordable. We focus on:

• Crown Thinning: Selectively removing branches to allow wind to pass through the tree rather than pushing against it.

• Weight Reduction: Reducing the length of heavy, over-extended limbs to reduce leverage.

• Inspection: Identifying V-shaped crotches or codominant stems that are prone to splitting.

Don't wait until the storm warning is on the news. Schedule your safety audit now.