Forestry -
Ice Storm Damage
Picking up After the Storm: Storm-Damaged Landscape Trees
 Arkansas has more than its fair share of winter and summer storms that damage
trees. Once power is restored after a storm and
clean up initiated, land and homeowners can begin to assess damage to their
landscape trees. 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. In the case
of ornamental trees, cleanup and tree trimming doesn't have to be done
immediately unless life or property are threatened.
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
of the tree. 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 therefore
be properly treated and repaired to maintain the health of the tree. The
homeowner can treat some types of damage. Other more serious damage should
be treated by a tree specialist. A tree specialist should treat other more
serious damage especially if extensive bracing, cabling of removal of large
branches is required. As always, never try to remove branches or trees
from utility lines. Let the professionals do it. That is a job for the
professionals. As with all things, there is a right and a wrong way to
repair storm‑damaged trees.
First, lets put your mind to rest over what to do about some types of storm
damage. The following categories of storm-damaged trees will survive for
now and can wait to be harvested later when emergency salvage operations are
over.
- 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.
Assuming the decision has been made to repair the tree, the next question is:
"Am I capable of repairing the damage myself or should I seek professional
help?" Major repair will undoubtedly require the use of a chain saw and climbing
equipment. Unless you are experienced in the use of such equipment and
comfortable working off the ground, it may be best to have the work performed by
a competent professional. 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 absolutely sure that they carry proper liability
and workmen's compensation insurance before allowing them to begin work on the
job.
To protect your self and your property it's okay to ask for references or
qualifications. You might want to hold on to your money until it has been
completely earned by the person you have hired to do a job. Even under
critical emergency conditions, complete, good quality repairs and tree removal
must be done or more damage and deterioration can appear in the future.
Again, don't let just anyone with a chainsaw and a truck remove your landscape
trees.
Common Types of Storm Damage
Now let's talk a little about common types of storm damage and recommended
practices to put your yard back into order. For trees with tops broken
out, 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 to ensure safety and prevent additional property damage.
Second, trees that can be saved should have broken branches properly pruned
using the "natural target pruning method". Correct pruning is the best thing you
can do for your tree. Improper pruning will only cause more damage to the tree,
weakening it further by exposing a larger area of the tree to decay organisms.
Severe Tree Damage
When a tree is severely damaged, the first question that must be answered is:
"Is the condition of the tree such to make keeping it worthwhile?" Take the time
and effort to save a tree only if a substantial portion of the tree remains
intact and if, when repairs are made, the tree will still be attractive and of
value to the property owner. This is particularly true if the tree has brittle
wood and a branch structure that makes it vulnerable to additional damage from
future storms. 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.
When all of these are considered it may often be more desirable to replace the
damaged tree than perform extensive repairs. If you are not sure, see a local
nurseryman, professional tree service company or consulting urban forester for
assistance. If it is determined the tree is not worth saving, remove the tree as
soon as possible.
Pine trees that are severely bent will have cracks in the bark and resin flow
which will attract beetles (For more on beetles, see
Loblolly Pine Management). Bent hardwoods are less likely to be
attacked by insects or diseases. Severely bent trees will not be suitable
for veneer, poles, or lumber because of internal splitting (wind shake).
Small trees fewer than 15 feet tall usually recover and straighten.
Salvage larger hardwoods and pines that are severely bent or exhibit sap flow
down the bark.
Guidelines for Evaluating Storm Damaged Trees
Determine whether the tree can be repaired, or if it should be removed
completely. If the main trunk is completely broken or if the tree is uprooted,
it should be removed.
Remove broken branch 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. Make the first cut upward from the bottom of the
branch about 12 inches from the next branch. Cut about halfway through the
branch, or until the saw begins to pitch. Make the second cut 5 or 6
inches further out, and continue cutting until the branch falls. With a third
cut remove the stub cleanly without peeling.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to treat trunk and limb
wounds with tree paint. Research shows that painted areas can actually
lead to increased rot and decay due to trapped moisture. Take care during the
salvage operations. Do not bang up or damage any standing, live trees
because wounds of this type are ideal for invasion by decay‑causing fungi.
And, in the case of pines, wounded trees become and remain very attractive to
this summer's and next year's bark beetles. Wounded pines could be the center of
a bark beetle buildup next year, so it would be prudent to avoid damaging pine
stems at any time of year.
How to Reduce Future Storm Damage
Hazard tree inspections offer the best protection against future storm
damage. Systematic inspections and assessments allow you to find and correct
defective trees. Sound trees can withstand stronger winds than defective trees,
so during storms the likelihood of tree failure is reduced.
A few tree species including Chinese elm, silver maple, sycamore, boxelder,
Bradford Pear, and various poplars have brittle wood, which is easily broken.
These rapid‑growing trees are particularly susceptible to storm damage.
Homeowners should be aware of these characteristics and avoid planting such
species close to buildings, utility lines, etc. where potential damage could
occur. If such trees are already growing in these locations, some
preventive practices, such as pruning and bracing, or cabling, may help reduce
the potential of storm damage. This is particularly true as the tree grows in
size and the weight and surface of the leaf and branch area increases.
Waste Disposal
Materials from fallen or salvaged trees can be used in several ways. The
larger branches can be cut and used for firewood. Add smaller branches and
twigs to the compost pile or cut up for kindling. Branches can also be
converted into chips for use as compost, mulch or other landscaping purposes if
chipping equipment is available. In some areas, landfills or
other waste disposal facilities are available to local residents.
Following the cleanup and repair of storm‑damaged trees, you may wish to make
some new plantings. A few suggestions can help reduce future maintenance
problems. First, make certain the tree being considered is hardy to the area.
Then, consider the potential insect and or disease problems that may be
associated with a particular species. It is also helpful to know the
approximate size and shape of the tree when mature. This will help
determine where to plant it to avoid interference with utility lines, branches
rubbing against the house or other buildings, etc. Finally, consider
characteristics of the tree other than the provision of shade, such as presence
of spring flowers, attractiveness to birds, fall color and winter appearance.
Through careful selection it is possible to obtain species, which will
contribute to the overall landscape in more than just one way.
For more information concerning salvaging landscape trees or timber, contact
your local offices of the Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas Forestry
Commission, and landscape professionals in your area.
Resources:
Repairing Storm Damage To Trees. Melvin R. Koelling and Russell P. Kidd. July
1980. Extension Bulletin E‑1364, FILE 24.54 Forestry Department,
Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI.
How to Prune Trees. Bedker, P.J.; O Brien, J.G.; Mielke, M.M. 1995.
USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry, St. Paul,
MN. 30 pp.
Tree‑pruning guidelines. ISA Performance Guidelines Committee.
1994. Savoy, IL: International Society of Arboriculture.
Hazard trees and repairing storm damages trees. Ed Hayes and Mimi Barzen.
Minnesota DNR‑ Division of Forestry. Grand Rapids, MN.
How to Evaluate and Manage Storm-Damaged Forest Areas. P.J. Barry,
Coleman Doggett, R.L. Anderson, K.M. Swain. 1993. USDA Forest
Service, Southern Region. Management Bulletin R8-MB 63.
Contact: Tamara Walkingstick (501) 671-2346.
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