Arborists busy clearing out toppled limbs, dead trees in aftermath of atmospheric river [Video]

After last week’s massive storms, arborists and tree-trimming companies are taking advantage of the clearer skies to clear out debris and dead trees that might pose a problem in the upcoming wet winter months.

“We’re just trying to get ahead of the curve here, and get this ready cause this is on a busy street here, and don’t want any dead trees or dangerous trees around,” James Cairnes, co-owner of the Small World Tree Company said, as his team cleared a dead tree next to a house in Sausalito.

Cairnes said his company had an uptick in calls during last week’s heavy rain and winds, an early reminder for homeowners to do critical checks before the next storm hits.

“This is a dead tree we’re doing today with sudden oak death…basically, the leaves will turn brown overnight,” Cairnes said. “Oak is very strong normally but when it has this disease, the whole thing can just snap and fall.”

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