Experts warn of rising tree fall risks as summer rain continues

This year's heavy rainfall is taking a toll on trees in Oklahoma and could put homes and property at risk.

A Rainy Start to Summer

It’s been a pretty rainy start to summer in Oklahoma. While flooding is one concern, Todd Rickert with Rickert Landscaping and Tree Service says homeowners should look up.

“A tree is going to fall a lot easier this time of year, with the 30 inches of rain we’ve had in 90 days, the ground is saturated,” he said. 

What Causes a Collapse

Rickert says when it rains, the soil becomes loose and soggy. He says that stress can even affect healthy trees, which increases the risk of falling limbs or full collapses near or on homes. He says a tree is more likely to fall if you combine heavy rain and the strong Oklahoma winds. Rickert says many trees may sustain damage from multiple storms, which can add up, and you might not see the danger until it's too late. He says a tree's property damage can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. 

“Every year, going forward, those trees will get weaker and weaker and weaker. Usually, it's 5,10,15 years down the road is when those trees usually fail,” he said. 

What Homeowners Can Do

Rickert says with even more rain coming, now’s the time to make sure the trees around your home aren’t putting it at risk by getting them inspected.

“Any tree within striking distance of your house, in my opinion, should be looked at and evaluated, and it might not even be your tree, it might be your neighbor’s tree,”  he said. 

Rickert recommends getting your trees looked at at least once a year.