Storm damaged trees: can they be saved or not?

It is hard to believe what the wind can do to trees, young and old alike. I know that many of you are contemplating over what to do with your storm damaged trees. The major dilemma you face is whether a tree may be saved or not.

The downed trees are cleaned up, but what about those that lost major and or minor limbs? Trees do have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage. But of course, not all can or should be saved. Generally speaking, if over 50 percent of the main branches or trunk are severely split or broken, then recovery is questionable.

Not only consider the damage to the tree, but also the location of the tree. Is it already too close to power lines, your home, children's play areas, out buildings or other structures? If so, you may want to go ahead and remove it to prevent future problems.

Start by surveying the bark of the tree. If there is heavy splitting of the bark, enough that the cambium of the main trunk is exposed, the tree will probably not survive and should be removed. The cambium is a single layer of cells (greenish inner bark) which contains the tree's food and water lifeline between the roots and leaves. Reshape torn tissue areas to encourage healing. No wound dressing is needed as research shows it is not necessary and it may actually encourage disease.

If there are so many broken branches that the form of the tree has been destroyed, removing the entire tree may be the best option. The practice of "topping," where all of the main branches are cut back to only stubs, is not recommended.

Professional arborists say that "topping" is one of the worst things your can do for trees. Although new branches will normally arise from the stubs, they are not as firmly attached as the original branches and could possibly break in future storms. It also takes a lot of energy for a tree to make these new branches. This in turn makes the tree less able to fight off disease and insect attacks.

Branches should be pruned back to the next larger branch or back to the trunk. Take caution not to cut flush with the trunk, but instead cutting at the collar area. The collar area is a transition point between the branch and the trunk.

Don't try to take a large branch off with just one cut. Often, they will break before the cut is finished and strip the bark from the tree and cause even more damage.

To prevent stripping the bark, make the first cut about 15 inches from the trunk. Start your cut from the bottom of the branch and cut about one-third of the way through. Then make a second cut from the top down but start two inches further away from the trunk than the first cut. The branch will break away as you make the second cut. Once the branch is gone, then remove the stub.

Keep in mind that this task can be dangerous. You may want to consider hiring someone to do the clean up for you, especially if you don't have the proper equipment. Make sure that you deal with someone reputable and part of an established business. Ask for proof of insurance showing that they are fully insured for property damage, personal liability, and worker compensation.

One last piece of advice is to be patient. If a tree is not a hazard, take the time necessary to be sure it gets proper care. Trees are amazingly resilient and have the ability to recover if given the opportunity.

K-State, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.