Parks & Recreation News
Tuesday, December 20, 2007EVALUATE TREES AFTER STORMS; ASSESS GROWTH POTENTIAL
LAWRENCE - With the recent ice storm, many trees were damaged throughout the community due to the weight of ice that formed on limbs and branches.
Some trees may look like they aren't salvageable, but they may be more resilient then one may think.
Homeowners should conduct an evaluation before removing any tree.
The National Arbor Day Foundation suggests asking the following questions in an evaluation of a tree:
Other than storm damage, is the tree basically healthy and vigorous?
If it's healthy and not a hazard with no major structural damage, it will generally recover if first aid measures are applied immediately after a storm.
Are major limbs broken?
The larger a broken limb is, the harder it will be for the tree to recover. If a majority 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?
The tree may live without its leader, but it will most like stunt or deform its growth.
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 as 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 branches remaining that can form a new branch structure?
The remaining limbs will grow more vigorously as a tree tries to replace its missing foliage. Look to see if branches are in place that may eventually fill out the tree's appearance.
Is the tree of a desirable species for its location?
If the tree is in the wrong location (such as a potentially tall tree beneath a power line) or an undesirable species for the property, it may be best to remove if it has serious damage.
Once an evaluation is done, trees selected to remain should be pruned, removing any broken branches. Larger branches damages should be pruned back to the trunk. Mature trees can usually survive the loss of a major limb. Large wounds should be monitored for signs of decay.
Young trees can sustain quite a bit of damage and still recover quickly. If the leader is intact and the structure for future branching remains, remove broken branches and let the tree close over wounds and recover itself.
One should resist the temptation to prune too heavily. A tree needs all the foliage it produces to make it through the next growing season.
Homeowners may also want to see how a tree recovers before they reach the decision of removing a tree. Mature trees with major limb damage may need to have a professional arborist's assessment.
Mark Hecker, superintendent of parks and maintenance for Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, believes proper evaluation is important to a tree's survival.
"If a homeowner isn't comfortable assessing their trees, we recommend contacting a certified arborist that is licensed to work in the City of Lawrence," Hecker said. "All of these companies will come out and look at your trees and give you an estimate for the work that needs to be done if the tree can be saved. As with any home improvement effort, don't be afraid to get a couple of bids on the work."
Those wanting more information on how to care for trees may visit the National Arbor Day Foundation Web site at http://www.arborday.org/trees/pruning/.
If citizens see damage to trees in the city right-of-way or have questions regarding street tree trimming, please contact the Parks and Recreation Forestry Division at 785-832-7979.
MEDIA: THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION ALSO HAS MATERIAL TO ASSIST IN STORIES LOCATED ON ITS WEB SITE: http://www.arborday.org/mediastormrecovery
Prepared by Roger Steinbrock, 785-832-3458
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