With more storms expected this weekend, a local arborist says homeowners should pay attention to warning signs that could indicate a tree is at risk of failing, while also noting that some problems may not be visible.
In Gary Furr's neighborhood off Falls of Nuese in Raleigh, he experienced the force of a large tree falling during the storm.
"The whole house shook. I've never heard nothing that loud," Furr said.
ALSO SEE | Man killed after tree crashes into Wake County home during severe storms
Crews worked to clear damage after a large tree fell from his neighbor's yard Tuesday night.
"That was a big tree," Furr said.
The extent of the damage became clear in daylight. One home was ripped open, and Furr said his property also was damaged.
"We opened the door and we just seen piles of trees laying all over the place. It was terrible. That looks like the part of the roof ... of the gutter. Gutter spouts are gone. My two cars are totaled, and the roofs got smashed in," Furr said.
Dave Klemp, an arborist with Trees of the Triangle, said tree failures are sometimes unavoidable, but proper care can help reduce risks.
"Trees grow old, trees fail. It does happen. We hate to see it happen. We'd like to see a tree grow centuries old and get big and fat and happy," Klemp said. "But it can't happen. So, it's all about maintaining the health of that tree the best you can with the resources you can."
On Wednesday evening, Klemp walked through the tree-lined neighborhood on Country Court off of Falls of Nuese. Klemp pointed out signs homeowners should watch for, including damaged or vulnerable limbs.
"That's fairly good. We can see what's called that root flare, which is good," Klemp said while inspecting one tree.
Later, he pointed to another potential concern.
"So that's a limb that you then want to keep an eye out on," he said.
Klemp said prolonged dry conditions may help explain why so many trees have come down during recent summer storms.
"Trees, when they lack rainfall and water coming in for an extended period of time, can get extra fragile. They get dehydrated just like we do. So, a tree that isn't getting water is going to have trouble with its roots. Their health, as well as the strength of the stem and branches up above the ground, as well," Klemp said.
He recommends having trees pruned every few years but discourages homeowners from removing trees without first consulting a professional.
"You lose far too much of a benefit from those trees. I would say that if you're worried about your trees, go ahead and have a certified arborist inspect it. And it might be something where they say, this doesn't need anything this year, but call me in a couple of years, and we'll look at that one limb over there and get that taken off or reduced," Klemp said.
Furr said the damage from the storm has him reconsidering some of the large trees on his property.
"I got two big ones, as big as those ones in the back. So, I'm thinking about having those things cut down or pared down anyway because they're dangerous," he said.
Download the ABC11 News app