May 18 2005
Spring and summer storms can bring high wind and heavy rain, causing trees and branches to come crashing down on homes or cars or in the yard, often leading to costly repairs for homeowners.
That's why the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) created a new guide to help identify and remedy hazards from nearby trees.
"Still Standing: Trim Your Risk of Tree Problems" helps homeowners spot weak or vulnerable trees, learn proper pruning techniques and how to choose the appropriate species for the area when planting. The guide also explains how to know what to plant where, to reduce the risk from wildfires.
There is also guidance on what to do after a storm, including how to care for damaged trees and what to do before beginning the cleanup process.
The guide was produced with the help of a grant from The Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia Fund of the Community Foundation. Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia is an IBHS member company.
For more information, visit the IBHS web site http://www.disastersafety.org . The guide can be downloaded from the publications section of the site.