AFTER THE STORM................

 

Windstorms can cause serious damage to the trees in your neighbourhood. Trees may have fallen, or lost large branches. If you are concerned about the safety of any tree that are still standing, remember that they have weathered other storms in the past.

 

That said, it’s always a good idea to have trees inspected to ensure that their structure or stability has not been compromised by the high winds. Make sure the individual that evaluates your tree is qualified to do so. Desired qualifications are ISA Arborist Certification and a company who is registered with the TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association).

 

Never top a tree unless it has been damaged beyond repair and you are planning on retaining it for wildlife habitat.

 

If your trees have been damaged, consider the following before writing them off as a total loss:

 

SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK:

 

• Other than the obvious damage, is the tree generally healthy? Trees have amazing recovery capacity, so if it has not experienced major structural damage, it will probably recover.

 

• Are major limbs or the main leader broken? The larger or more important the limb, the harder it will be for the tree to recover.

 

• Is at least half of the tree undamaged? A tree with less than 50% of its foliage remaining may not be able to sustain itself in the future.

 

• How large are the wounds? The larger the wound, the less likely the tree can recover and be structurally sound. Very large wounds invite insect infestations and decay.

 

• Is the tree appropriate for the site upon which it is growing? If it is a location that will not support the tree, it may be best to remove it.
   

PRUNING ADVICE:

 

Be aware of any power lines or hanging limbs.

 

Don’t stand under trees that have broken branches that look like they’re ready to fall.

 

If the work is high in the tree, or involves large branches, it’s a job for a professional arborist.

 

Check the yellow pages under “Tree” and look for firms that employ ISA Certified Arborists.

 

If the tree is young, it may be able to recover and develop new structure.

 

Remove broken branches and take a wait and see attitude.

 

Remember that your tree needs as much foliage as possible in order to regenerate.

 

Avoid the temptation to “shape it” in order to let the tree generate new growth and balance itself.

 

DON’T TOP TREES.

 

Untrained or uninformed arborists may urge you to cut back all of the branches to shape the tree, or may suggest that shorter trees will be less likely to fail in future wind storms.

Trees which have been badly pruned, topped or left unbalanced can be dangerously unstable.

Don’t cut branches back to stubs. New growth will be poorly attached, and more likely to fail in the future.