Storms Lead To More Downed Trees

Crews with Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services spent Wednesday morning cutting up and clearing out a huge oak tree in Alexander Park outside uptown.

Strong winds from a recent storm knocked it over into Little Sugar Creek.

Crew leader Tommy Simmons said the area where the tree fell is one of about 40 spots they check often to make sure it's clear and won't flood.

"We all watch the weather very closely, and prior to a rain event or a large rain event, we check these usual suspects, as we call them,” Simmons said.

Crews were also busy grinding up a large tree that fell along East 10th Street.

Some trees still standing, however, have certified arborist Stephan Zimmerman concerned.

"We're worried about the tree falling over and hitting a house or something," he said while inspecting a tree on Sixth Street. “The area of the tree you want to be strongest, which is the tension side, on this tree has root-rotting decay fungus there, which means that there's not really anything that's holding this tree up if a big force is applied like a wind storm or a thunderstorm."

Zimmerman said his tree service is responding to more fallen trees.

"We're seeing it more probably now than we have in the last couple of years because trees are showing the effects of the drought," he said.

Zimmerman said a tree doesn't have to be diseased to topple. Powerful winds or ground that's too soaked can cause a tree to fall.

Some homeowners decided to take down trees as a precaution Wednesday, but the proactive step could set you back thousands of dollars per tree.

Zimmerman said that after a big storm, it's a good idea to look at your tree for damage, including large limbs that came loose and could fall on someone.

Also, take inventory of the trees in your yard. If you see something that doesn't look right, call an arborist to check it out.