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Often times, the aftermath of a big storm can leave a huge mess
that needs to be cleaned up. Usually, homeowners want to get everything cleaned
up as soon as possible. However, hasty decisions can result in removing trees
that could’ve been saved!
The steps you take directly after a major storm can make the difference
between giving your trees a good chance to survive verse losing them
unnecessarily.
Here are a few steps to follow, courtesy of The Arbor Day Foundation:
Don't try to do it all yourself: If large limbs are
broken or hanging, or if high climbing or overhead chainsaw work is needed,
it's a job for a professional arborist.
Take safety precautions: Look up and look
down. Be on the alert for downed power lines and dangerous hanging branches
that look like they're ready to fall.
Remove any broken branches still attached to the tree: Removing
the jagged remains of smaller sized broken limbs is one common repair that
property owners can make after a storm. If done properly, it will minimize the
risk of decay agents entering the wound.
Repair torn bark: To improve the tree's appearance and eliminate hiding places for
insects, carefully use a chisel or sharp knife to smooth the ragged edges of
wounds where bark has been torn away.
Resist the urge to over-prune: Don't worry if the tree's appearance
isn't perfect. With branches gone, your trees may look unbalanced or naked.
You'll be surprised at how fast they will heal and regrow.
Don't top your trees: Untrained individuals may urge you to cut back all of the branches, on
the mistaken assumption that reducing the length of branches will help avoid breakage
in future storms. While storm damage may not always allow for ideal pruning
cuts, professional arborists say that "topping," cutting main
branches back to stubs, is one of the worst things you can do for your trees.
Have you ever acted too quickly and
removed a tree that could’ve been saved? Let us know about your experience on
our Facebook page linked HERE!
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