Storm damaged trees repair & replacement checklist

photo: Ice storm damage to Silver MapleTrees have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage.

In the aftermath of a severe ice or wind storm, many homeowners ask a simple question about their trees: Can my tress be saved? That question arises from the initial impulse to "get this mess cleaned up." But hasty decisions can often result in removing trees that could have been saved. Follow these simple guidelines in administering first aid to your trees after a storm.

 

photo: Ice Damage to tree with power lines. From Forestry ImagesFirst - Look around

  • 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.

 

image: Basswood Limb broken by high winds.Second - Assess the Damage

Before writing off a damaged tree as a "goner," homeowners should evaluate their trees by asking the following questions:

Other than the storm damage, is the tree basically healthy and vigorous?

If the tree is basically healthy, is not creating a hazard, and did not suffer major structural damage, it will generally recover if first aid measures are applied immediately after the storm.

Are major limbs broken?

The larger a broken limb, the harder it will be for the tree to recover from the damage. If most of the main branches are gone, the tree may have little chance of surviving.

Has the leader (the main upward-trending branch on most trees) been lost?

In species where a leader is important to upward growth or desirable appearance, it may have to be a judgment call. The tree may live without its leader, but at best would be a stunted or deformed version of the original.

Is at least 50 percent of the tree's crown (branches and leaves) still intact?

This is a good rule of thumb on tree survivability. A tree with less than half of its branches remaining may not be able to produce enough foliage to nourish the tree through another season.

How big are the wounds where branches have been broken or bark has been damaged?

The larger the wound is in relation to the size of the limb, the less likely it is to heal, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. A two-to three-inch wound on a 12-inch diameter limb will seal over with new bark within a couple of years.

Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure?

The remaining limbs will grow more vigorously as the tree tries to replace its missing foliage. Look to see if branches are in place that can eventually fill out the tree's appearance.

 

photo: Basswood with large limb missing. Make the Decision

The questions listed above will help you make informed decisions about your trees. In general, the answer will fall into one of three categories:

1. It's a Keeper

  • If damage is relatively slight, prune any broken branches, repair torn bark or rough edges around wounds, and let the tree begin the process of wound repair. Some examples

2. Wait and See

  • If a valuable tree appears to be a borderline case, resist the temptation to simply cut the tree down and be done with it. In such cases, it may be best to stand back for a while and think it over. Remember that time is on your side. After careful pruning of broken branches, give the tree some time to recover. A final decision can be made later. Some examples

3. Say Goodbye

  • Some trees simply can't be saved or are not worth saving. If the tree has already been weakened by disease, if the trunk is split, or more than 50 percent of the crown is gone, the tree has lost its survival edge. Some examples

 

Don't Try to Do It All Alone

Some of your trees may have damage that's too close to call, or may have hidden damage. To help with such questions, a tree professional may be needed to help you decide what to do about your trees. Don't hire just anyone who shows up at your door following a storm. Look for qualified arborists external link in the phone book or by contacting or city forester.