5 Signs You Need a Tree Service in Bell Before the Rainy Season

1. Dead, Hanging, or Broken Branches

Dead, broken, or hanging branches are likely the most obvious indicator that you will need to hire a tree care professional. Compromised branches become very hazardous during storm season because they can break off more easily under the heavy rain or strong winds.

Look for dead or dying branches that are brittle, decaying, or hanging abnormally. In an urban setting like Bell, where houses are close together, a broken branch can be a huge threat to your roof, your vehicle, and nearby buildings. A professional tree service technician can safely remove those branches before they become aprojectilesduring the next storm.

Examine branches hanging over your house in the historic James George Bell House area or other residential areas closely. Because houses are built so close together in Bell, maintaining all branches is even more vital to keeping the community safe.

2. Cracks in the Tree Trunk

Tree trunks with cracks or splits show structural weakness, which could result in the tree completely failing in bad weather. Those cracks usually happen from several things, such as drought stress, infection, or physical damage to the tree.

Cracks that go very far down the trunk are a big concern since they reduce the tree’s ability to endure the weight of the wind. If you see any cracks that run vertically up the trunk, horizontally across the trunk, or anywhere else the bark is splitting away, contact a tree service right now to assess the situation.

Older trees in Bell’s established neighborhoods may show signs of aging stress, and this is especially true when they start showing signs of structural weakening. Qualified arborists can many times save a weakened tree using the proper cabling or bracing methods.

3. Leaning Trees or Exposed Root Systems

Any time a tree starts leaning, and it was not doing so previously, it indicates possible problems with its root system or structural integrity. Also, any time you see a tree’s root system exposed along Bell’s tree-lined streets or near the Los Angeles River, it indicates that the soil is eroding, or that some type of issue is occurring underground.

Roots can become exposed due to many different reasons, including over-watering or under-watering, construction damage, or the normal erosion of the soil during the rainy season. Once roots are exposed, they lose the ability to anchor the tree and can no longer hold the tree upright during a windy day.

Anytime you see a tree that is unstable, it needs to be evaluated as soon as possible. An arborist can evaluate the tree and tell you if it can be stabilized or if it needs to be removed to avoid damage to your property or harm to yourself or others.

4. Diseases or Pests

The mild climate of Southern California lends itself to being susceptible to a wide variety of diseases and pests that can weaken the structure of the tree. Some of the symptoms include unusual discoloration of the leaves, premature loss of leaves, fungus growing on the trunk, or insects crawling on the tree.

Diseased trees become more susceptible to the additional stress of storms. In fact, some tree diseases can spread quickly to other trees in your yard. Therefore, you must treat diseased trees as soon as possible to protect your entire landscape.

Many tree service providers in Bell have years of experience treating common regional diseases such as oak wilt, sudden oak death syndrome, and numerous types of beetles. They can give you a specific treatment plan for your diseased trees or recommend removal if necessary to protect the remainder of your trees.

5. Overgrown Canopies and Poor Structural Prune

Trees that have not been properly pruned grow overgrown canopies that attract much more wind than a properly pruned tree, and therefore place added stress on the tree during storms. Also, poorly pruned trees can develop poor branch structure with weak angles and co-dominant branches, increasing the likelihood of breaking a branch or trunk.

Structural pruning performed by a professional removes excess weight from the top of the tree while maintaining the tree’s natural appearance and health. Regular structural pruning greatly reduces the risk of storm damage to your trees while promoting the overall health and longevity of your trees.

Because of the many homes located in close proximity to each other in the residential areas of Bell, as well as in community parks such as Veterans Memorial Park, regular pruning is not only beneficial aesthetically, but also promotes safer environments for residents and neighborhoods alike.

Understanding Local Tree Regulations

Prior to removing or structurally pruning trees in Bell, it is good to know the regulations regarding the removal or pruning of trees in the City of Bell. There are certain native tree species in Los Angeles County, including the California Live Oak, Southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay, Mexican Elderberry, and Toyon, that are protected when they have a diameter of 4 inches or greater at 4.5 feet above grade.

In order to remove or prune any of these trees, you will need to obtain permits prior to beginning. Most professional tree service companies are familiar with these regulations and can assist you in obtaining the permits you will need to do the work.

Benefits of Using Professional Tree Service

When looking for reliable tree service near me, hiring experienced professionals provides the best care for your trees and ensures that you comply with the laws and regulations of the state of California. As a resident of California, you should be aware that California has very stringent laws regarding tree removal and requires permits to be obtained for the removal or pruning of certain tree characteristics and species, with the possibility of fines and/or criminal charges for unauthorized removal of protected trees.

Arborists are skilled professionals who specialize in knowledge related to tree species found in Southern California, proper pruning techniques, and safety practices. They also have liability insurance and utilize professional-grade equipment to perform their tree work safely and effectively.

Preparing Your Property for Storm Season in Bell

Do not wait until the first storm warning shows up on your local weather forecast to call a tree service to inspect your trees. Call and schedule your tree inspection and maintenance before the rainy season begins. Many tree service companies tend to receive a surge in calls in the fall months, so make sure to book your appointment early enough to get the services you need.

Properly maintaining your trees not only helps to preserve your property value but also contributes to the urban forest canopy in Bell. Maintaining healthy trees provides you with numerous benefits, including energy savings, improved air quality, and higher property values throughout your neighborhood.

To schedule a full tree health assessment and make sure that your property is ready for whatever the rainy season brings, contact Precision Tree Services Bell today. Investing in tree care is investing in safety, property preservation, and the protection of the environment, providing you with rewards every year.