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Record number of trees falling after storms in Charlotte, arborist says

By Stephanie Tinoco
By Stephanie Tinoco

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tim Porter, a Charlotte arborist, says a record-setting volume of trees topple in the city this year.

The Queen City, known for its vast tree canopy, has had powerful storms plow through the area that caused major damage, and even death.

[Local arborists fielding hundreds of calls for downed trees]

"We've had over 2,000 trees fall, blocking the roads,” Porter said. "We respond to 5,000-plus service requests a year from the public."

[Arborists concerned about threat of falling trees as rain moves in]

Porter told Channel 9 that certain trees are very vulnerable during heavy rain and strong storms.

"The Bradford Pear, which is a big nuisance in Charlotte, doesn't get very large, but there were thousands planted years ago and they are just time bombs during storms,” Porter said. “They break apart really easily."

[READ MORE: Myers Park homeowner on tree crashing down: 'Grateful no one was out']

Porter said the Charlotte neighborhoods needing the most attention are Myers Park, Dilworth, Grier Heights, Belmont and Wesley Heights.

Most recently, Porter says, crews have responded more to surrounding areas, which is pretty unusual.

"In this last winter storm east Charlotte got hit really hard,” Porter said.

The city will inspect 20,000 trees starting in 2019 to make sure any threats are addressed before they fall.

The city is only responsible for maintaining trees on public property.

Scott Reels, an insurance agent, says homeowners are responsible for removing diseased trees from their property, and many times, your insurance may not pay for it.

"It varies on the policy you carry,” Reels said. “Most people overlook that as part of home maintenance and do not realize it may or may not be covered.”

Reels recommends: 1. Perform a visual inspection of the trees on your property (in most cases, it is easy to tell a fatigued tree); 2. Try to remove your property out of the potential fall path of a diseased tree, in the event of a storm or high winds; 3. Have the diseased tree removed. It may be costly. Be very careful in selecting a professional and bonded tree removal service. Check your references; 4. Check your coverages with your Insurance carrier.

The city says removing a giant tree can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, but they are working to develop a public assistance program to help people with the cost of tree removal.

Earlier this year, the city launched a pilot program in Wesley Heights to provide residents with tree removal and expect to expand into low-income areas.

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