Massive Oak Tree Crushes House in Oreland, PA!

Last week on Halloween night, we experienced our first big storm of the fall, and it caught many of us off guard! As trick-or-treaters were heading home to count their candy, the winds were increasing in speed and rain was whipping through the area. We received several calls here at Giroud for storm damage, and some were emergency situations!

Giroud ISA Certified Arborist, Mike Chenail, was called out to inspect a massive Shingle Oak Tree that fell on a home in Oreland, PA. Thankfully, no one was hurt when the giant tree uprooted and crushed the roof the house! The Giroud crew has spent 3 days cleaning up the mess, but the family had to move into a temporary residence for the next few months until their house is repaired. Check out the incredible pictures:

High winds, heavy rainfall, and dips in the temperature can cause the trees on your property to snap, break and uproot; causing dangerous and expensive property damage! While it’s impossible to predict what will happen in the next storm, there are actions you can take to greatly reduce your risk of tree damage.

Why Some Trees Do Better in Strong Storms than Others

After big storms, we usually hear frustrated customers ask “What could I have done to prevent storm damage?” Last winter, after a particularly awful snowstorm, many properties along Washington Lane in Huntingdon Valley suffered extensive storm damage. However, one property, owned by a Giroud Tree & Lawn customer, escaped practically unscathed!

“We consistently do maintenance pruning at this property,” explains Drew Slousky, Giroud Arborist and Vice President. “Since this customer has us out there for routine health and safety inspections, we can catch any issues before they become big problems.”

Having your trees and shrubs inspected on a regular basis by a Giroud ISA Certified Arborist is the best way to give them a fighting chance against stormy weather.  A Certified Arborist can spot hidden dangers that may not be obvious to you! They know the signs of insect damage, disease, weak root systems, overextended branches, and stress cracks in trunks, just to name a few dangers.

Your Giroud Arborist will assess each tree and shrub and determine the best course of action to address any issues:

• Tree root systems can be fertilized to strengthen the roots and make them better able to withstand soaking rains, heavy snow and high winds.
• Cracked trees can be bolted or cabled to ease the pressure from heavy limbs and leaders.
• Branches can be pruned to prevent property damage and injury to people below from falling deadwood. Pruning also promotes healthy growth going forward.
• Treat insect or disease problems before they cause serious damage and weaken your tree.

We’ve seen it all!

If you think storm damage can’t happen on your property, think again! Our Arborists have seen some pretty wild situations, and sometimes it can strike when you don’t expect it all! Check out our video of a large Oak Tree that fell in Elkins Park!

What to do in an Emergency Situation

If you experience an emergency on your property, Giroud Tree and Lawn can help! We always have an Arborist on Call. Dial 215-682-7704, day or night!

Being Proactive is the Best Course of Action

The only way to know for sure that your trees and shrubs are healthy and safe is to have them closely inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist. Giroud Tree and Lawn offers FREE inspections all year long. Your Giroud ISA Certified Arborist will assess every tree and shrub on your property and make recommendations to help prevent storm damage.

It’s important to know who is evaluating the health and safety your trees.  Every Giroud Arborist is an ISA Certified Arborist, who has the tree service knowledge and experience required to successfully diagnose, treat and maintain the health and beauty of your trees. All Giroud Arborists are required to meet the following standards:

1. Extensive field experience: Performing all types of tree service and/or lawn care to our exacting standards for at least 3 years.
2. ISA Arborist Certification: Achieving ISA Arborist Certification which is awarded by the International Society of Arboriculture after passing a 12 part exam developed by the nation’s leading experts.
3. Continuing Education: Earning a minimum of 30 credits every 3 years to learn the latest techniques and research.
4. Commitment to Giroud Values: Receiving top ratings from our clients for honesty, integrity and outstanding service.

It all Starts with a Pre-Storm Property Inspection. Call 215-682-7704 to schedule your FREE appointment today!