Storm damaged trees repair & replacement checklist

When a storm strikes, clearing damaged trees and branches is the first response, but the care you give your trees before and after a storm can be the key to their survival or loss. This fact sheet summarizes some key points to consider in assessing and repairing damaged trees and replacing those that must be removed.

Assess the damage

• Approach damaged trees with extreme caution - stay clear of downed wires and call 911.
• If a large tree or branch is hanging or under tension, seek professional help !
• Get a list of competent tree care companies from your City Forester or one of the offices listed below. Be wary of people offering services door-to-door.
• Trees with long cracks or internal decay are often weak and may be hazardous.
• If you feel a cracked trunk or limb can be repaired, ask an arborist for advice.

Repairing the damage

• If you can cut damaged branches from the ground, be sure NOT to leave stubs or flush cut, instead prune to preserve the branch collar (swollen area at the base of a branch).
• NEVER TOP TREES!! Topping results in many sprouts with weak attachments.

Utilization

• If a large tree (>8"diameter) must be removed, ask a forester if it can be used for lumber.
• Branches can be chipped by the homeowner or at a community recycling site. Chips can be used to give new trees a fresh start. See your community solid waste disposal officials for recycling tips.

Restoring your home landscape

• Don't replant until after major house and utility repairs are complete and stumps removed.
• Sketch up a lot plan showing all buildings, utilities and existing plants.
• Avoid utility conflicts. Choose tree locations away from overhanging and underground wires: excessive pruning or root cutting will weaken or kill trees.
• Get a list of recommended trees and shrubs from one of the offices listed at the end of this fact sheet.
• Match trees to the site and purpose: consider their mature size, hardiness, tolerance to shade and road salt, and the type of soil you have - is water drainage poor or pH high?
• To save energy, plant shade trees just west or east of your home and avoid south facing windows. If room allows, consider an evergreen windbreak to the west and north.
• Trees are a lifetime investment. Shop around and buy quality plants from a reputable nursery.
• Be wary of people selling trees door-to-door and trees dug from the wild.
• For larger-maturing trees, choose those with a single central leader and well spaced side branches with strong branch-to-trunk connections. Avoid narrow branch connections with "included bark," which are weak and more prone to storm breakage.

Planting

• Wait to replant until after major house and utility repairs are complete and stumps removed.
• Plant trees at the right depth. Planting too deep is a major cause of tree decline and death.
• Add wood chip mulch to a 4" depth to conserve water, inhibit weeds and protect the trunk from lawnmowers and weed whips. Prune only dead, broken or rubbing branches.

Tree Care

• Water 1" per week, in the growing season, the first 3 years.
• Water slowly, for about 1/2 hour.
• Have large trees checked for damage and pruned every 5 to 7 years.

For more information or assistance contact:
a DNR forester, county extension office or soil and water conservation district. A variety of free informational brochures and booklets are available. The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (1-888-886-6652) also has several free publications.