⚠️ Is Your Kansas City Tree a Winter Hazard? Why Now is the Time for a Pre-Storm Risk Assessment

The arrival of late fall and early winter in Olathe and the greater Kansas City metro area brings more than just crisp air and Chiefs football—it brings the real threat of ice storms, heavy snow, and high winds. For homeowners, this means it's time to start assessing what might fall on your house, car, or fence when the bad weather hits.

The moment before the first major storm is the absolute best time to have Timber Tree Service assess your property for any potential hazards. Here’s why a proactive, pre-storm risk assessment is crucial right now, and what signs you should be looking for.

🔍 Spotting Hidden Dangers: The Dormant Season Advantage

Once the leaves drop, your trees give up their secrets. What was hidden by a full canopy in July is now exposed, allowing our team to clearly see structural defects that increase risk during winter weather, such as:

• Weak Branch Unions: Look for V-shaped crotches where two branches meet. These are far more likely to split under the weight of ice and snow than stronger U-shaped connections.

• Deep Cracks and Splits: These are clear signs of internal decay or previous damage. If a crack runs vertically down the trunk, the tree is a significant hazard.

• Dead Wood: It's easier to spot large, dead branches (often brittle and lacking bark) when there are no leaves to distract the eye. Any large dead limb is a waiting hazard.

• Signs of Decay at the Base: The presence of mushrooms, conks, or large cavities at the base of the trunk or along the major root flare indicates significant internal rot and stability issues.

🥶 Benefit of Frozen Ground for Removal

If your tree requires removal, scheduling with us now offers a significant benefit you won't get in the spring: frozen ground. When the ground is frozen solid, heavy equipment (like bucket trucks, skid steers, backyard lifts, and/or stump grinders) leaves little to no trace, preventing the ruts and compaction common with wet, soft spring or fall soil. It also allows our crew to operate more efficiently and safely when the footing is stable and dry, allowing us to complete the job faster and often with fewer complications.

💰 Avoid the "Emergency Tax"

After a major Kansas City ice storm, tree service companies are overwhelmed with emergency calls. These calls are almost always more expensive, require longer wait times, and are performed under more dangerous conditions (often involving live power lines or compromised structures).

By scheduling a risk assessment now, you move from an expensive emergency reaction to a controlled, scheduled solution. You get peace of mind and the opportunity to plan the work and the budget on your schedule, not the storm's.

✅ What's the Next Step?

Don't wait until the first heavy snow or freezing rain storm to discover your tree is a liability. Request a free estimate today to schedule your Pre-Storm Risk Assessment. Our team will provide a detailed evaluation, clearly outlining any immediate hazards and recommending proactive solutions, from pruning and cabling to safe, scheduled removal.