In the News - February 2008
After the storm: Saving damaged landscape trees
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansans cleaning up from the recent severe storms should take
time to assess the damage to trees on their property.
"The good news is that there is no need for homeowners to pay a premium for
services in the first few weeks after the storm," says Dr. Tamara Walkingstick,
forester with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
"In the case of ornamental trees," she said, "cleanup and tree trimming
doesn’t have to be done immediately unless life or property is threatened.
Forest landowners also should not be panicked into accepting a salvage price for
timber without first evaluating whether salvage is really necessary."
Storm damage to landscape trees can range from minor damage to branches to
splitting of the trunk and uprooting of the tree, Walkingstick says.
While minor injuries seldom result in permanent damage to trees, severe
injuries can increase a tree’s susceptibility to insect and disease attack,
ultimately killing the tree.
Damaged landscape trees should be properly treated and repaired to maintain
the health of the tree. Some types of damage can be treated by the homeowner.
Other more serious damage should be treated by a tree specialist especially if
extensive bracing, cabling of removal of large branches is required.
Never try to remove branches or trees from utility lines. Let professionals
do it.
Walkingstick says the following categories of storm-damaged trees will
survive for now and can wait to be harvested later:
- Trees with broken tops which still have four or more live limbs
remaining
- Trees leaning less than 45 degrees
- Wind-blown trees with roots still in the ground
Only you can decide if you’re capable of repairing the damage yourself or
seek professional help.
Major repair usually requires a chain saw and climbing equipment. Unless
you’re experienced with this equipment and are comfortable working off the
ground, it may be best to have the work performed by a competent professional,
Walkingstick says.
"The names of qualified firms can be obtained from local nurserymen. Also,
look for listings of professionals under Tree Service in the Yellow Pages. Make
certain they carry proper liability and workmen’s compensation insurance before
allowing them to begin work on the job," Walkingstick says.
To protect yourself and your property, it’s ok to ask for references or
qualifications. You should hold onto your money until the job is completed to
your satisfaction.
Don’t let just anyone with a chain saw and a truck remove your landscape
trees.
Walkingstick offered these tips to put your yard back into order:
- For trees with tops broken, remove the broken snags down to
the next major interior branch.
- Try not to top the tree. Topping the tree will result in
branches that are weak and prone to future damage.
- If a tree is only partially damaged, pruning damaged
branches can restore the tree. First, remove broken and hanging
branches. Second, trees that can be saved should have broken
branches properly pruned.
Take the time and effort to save a tree only if a substantial portion of the
tree remains intact and if, after repair, the tree will still be attractive and
a valuable property asset.
In addition to its condition, other factors to consider in determining
whether or not a tree is worth saving include its age, species, growing
location, the value it adds to the property, sentimental value, etc. If it’s
determined the tree is not worth saving, remove the tree as soon as possible.
Severely bent pine trees will have cracks in the bark and resin flow which
will attract beetles. Bent hardwoods are less likely to be attacked by insects
or diseases. Severely bent trees are not suitable for veneer, poles or lumber
because of internal splitting. Small trees, under 15 feet tall, usually recover
and straighten. Salvage larger hardwoods and pines that are severely bent or
exhibit sap flow down the bark.
Remove broken branches to the nearest branch or to the tree trunk. Never
leave a ragged stub. Remove large branches with three cuts. This will prevent
splintering and peeling.
"Contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessary to treat trunk and limb
wounds with tree paint," Walkingstick says.
Take care during the salvage operations. Don’t bang up or damage any
standing, live trees because wounds of this type are ideal for invasion by
decay‑causing fungi.
For more information, contact your county extension agent or go to
www.uaex.edu and select Natural Resources, then Forestry,
Ice Storm Damaged Wood. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A
Division of Agriculture.
February 15, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialists
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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