In the News - April 2008
Not every storm-downed tree requires emergency clean up
LITTLE ROCK - Don't be panicked into paying premiums to clean up
storm-damaged trees, says Dr. Tamara Walkingstick, an extension forester and
associate professor with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"In urban areas, unless a downed tree is threatening life or property,
there's no need for immediate cleanup," she says. "The same goes for forest
landowners who shouldn't be hurried into accepting salvage pricing for timber
without first evaluating whether salvage is necessary."
Trees that can survive for now and wait to be harvested are:
- Trees with broken tops which still have four or more live limbs
remaining
- Trees leaning less than 45 degrees
- Windblown trees with roots still in the ground
Handling damaged trees isn't for amateurs.
"Never try to remove branches or trees from utility lines," she said. "For
damaged timber, unless you are experienced in the use of a chainsaw and climbing
equipment, it may be best to have the work performed by a competent
professional."
Storm damage to landscape trees can range from relatively minor damage with
only the smallest branches being injured to splitting of the trunk and
uprooting. While minor injuries seldom result in permanent damage to the tree,
severe injuries can increase a tree's susceptibility to insect and disease
attack, ultimately killing the tree.
"Damage to landscape trees should be properly treated and repaired to
maintain the health of the tree," Walkingstick said. "Other more serious damage
should be treated by a tree specialist, especially if extensive bracing, cabling
or removal of large branches is required."
For more information on handling damaged trees, visit:
http://www.arnatural.org/forestry/Ice_Damage/picking_up_after_the_storm.htm .
Additional information on recovering the value of storm-damaged timber can be
found at:
http://www.aragriculture.org/disaster/financials/storm_damaged_timber.pdf
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
April 11, 2008
Media Contact: Mary F. Hightower
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uaex.edu
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