Summer storms taking down trees and limbs in record numbers
Violent summer storms over the past two weeks have generated a record-breaking 512 service requests to Charlotte Landscape Management for downed tree and limb removal. Crews have been working around the clock to clear roads, with priority placed on major thoroughfares and access points for hospitals, fire departments, police stations and emergency shelters. Road-clearing and cleanup continues on secondary and neighborhood roads and should be complete today.
Charlotte’s aging tree canopy, located in many of Charlotte’s older neighborhoods, has been affected the most by these storms, resulting in property damage to homes, businesses, vehicles and other trees.
Residents are advised to monitor the health of trees on their property. Trees and limbs damaged or weakened may come down days later during calm weather, so it is important to check your trees following each storm and have a professional arborist inspect trees that may be unsafe. You can report unhealthy trees in public rights-of-way by calling 311 or visiting http://charmeck.org/services.
Call 911 to report trees that threaten safety or property or that block major roadways and access for emergency services.
You can learn about ways to protect your trees by visiting http://charlottenc.gov/trees.
