RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) – There’s no doubt it’s been a dismal week in the Triangle. For days it rained up to 5 cm in some areas and more rain is expected.
With all that rain, not only is people grabbing rain boots and umbrellas, but it’s also keeping some businesses in the area busy.
“When it’s saturated, we all know that red clay soils can easily topple over,” said Andrew Wharton of the Everett Tree Service in Raleigh. He said, “A week of rain like we’ve had… Thank God we’ve had a lot of rain.”
Wharton has been an arborist for 30 years and said it’s not uncommon for trees to fall after days of rain. Over the past week, Wharton said his teams have received multiple calls for inspections and fallen trees.
When it comes to trees, Wharton said, “They don’t like it too hot and dry, they don’t like it too cold, and they don’t like it too wet.”
In addition to saturated soil, the arborist said, several other factors could contribute to making a tree more at risk and more prone to tipping over, including wind, past droughts and when a tree has had its roots cut. Wharton said to also pay attention to the top of a tree, adding, “The crown of a tree is like a sail on a boat.” The wider the crown, the more saturated the bottom. It doesn’t necessarily need a lot of wind.” He said a little trimming might help.
Teams from the tree removal company worked Thursday at multiple locations, including one near the NC State campus. Wharton said: “The crew worked until 8 a.m. last night to remove trees from houses. They started their day removing trees from houses.” It’s part of a package of our summer showers that we get every year.”
While tree damage often leaves a mess, Wharton also said it can often be prevented.
“Just as you wouldn’t think twice about getting your roof or HVAC system checked, you should also have your trees checked from time to time,” Wharton said.
While Wharton typically advises clients to schedule inspections as early as December to prepare for the rainy season, it’s never too late to call a local arborist.
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