With Houston's drought in full swing, the last thing on your mind is Hurricane Season. Don't let the lack of rain delay your preparations! Take action now!

Fallen trees accounted for 40 percent of all insurance claims after Hurricane Ike, according to one source. While Mother Nature is out of our control, being proactive and accountable for the trees in our yards could minimize cost and damage to your family, home and neighbors.

Don’t let fear drive you to remove a large tree close to the house without the opinion of an Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. This tree professional can help you avoid higher utility bills, a barren landscape, and guilt.

The tree closest to the house may serve as a wind buffer. A Certified Arborist can determine if the tree is structurally sound and possesses an intact root system.

Pruning trees can reduce property damage from hurricanes, tropical systems and high winds. By eliminating dead and weak branches and selectively thinning as needed, proper pruning techniques by a Certified Arborist allow the wind to blow through the canopy of the tree. Remember to have no more than 25 percent of the canopy removed.

Before hurricane season, certain types of trees should not be planted or should be removed. Young trees with shallow roots and brittle wood and branches cause the most damage during hurricane force winds. Again, a Certified Arborist can give specifics on which trees to secure or remove ahead of time.

While hurricane season has not yet arrived, it is right around the corner. Awareness and preparedness should receive the highest priority. Let a Certified Arborist from Embark Tree and Landscape help you keep your home, family and neighbors safe. Call 713-462-3261 for a free estimate and 10 percent off when you mention this blog.*

*Offer expires June 30, 2011.

• Professional arborists work according to American National Standards of tree care (ANSI 300) and have years of experience.

• They can provide in-depth evaluations for hidden damage.

• Liability for services is placed on professionals.

• Arborists can safely and efficiently use proper equipment.

• They will become familiar with your trees, making it easier to provide long-term tree care.

• Work on trees and shrubs that do not require a ladder. Prune out small dead and broken branches within reach of a handsaw, pole saw or pole pruner.

• Be very cautious when pruning branches directly overhead. They can sometimes tear or fall unexpectedly during pruning. Remember even smaller trees that require a ladder can be dangerous.

• Apply a 2-4 inch layer of wood chips or organic mulch over the root zone. This will help retain moisture and provide beneficial organic material to the tree roots.

• Have trees inspected regularly for disease or decay in order to prevent hazards in the tree.

First and foremost: Never use ladders near electric wires and don't try to climb a tree without proper training and tree climbing equipment. Each year, a number of amateur tree pruners are seriously injured or killed when they come into contact with an energized line, directly or indirectly, through tools or tree limbs.

Even when power wires, ladders, tree climbing and lack of training are taken out of the equation, there are still plenty of dangerous tree care scenarios. Not to mention, amateur tree care can unknowingly harm a tree. So what you can do?

WEEKEND CHORES.......It's a typical Saturday. You're in the backyard and notice several large branches hanging over the patio. The job looks like quick work - Grab a ladder and chain saw, climb the tree and make the cut. Sure, there are some electric wires nearby, but they don't seem to be in the way.

HOLD EVERYTHING!

Before attempting tree care or tree removal, remember that you may be putting yourself in a dangerous position. Tree care is an inherently hazardous job and there are too many risks and dozens of ways for this scene to turn ugly.