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Storms and trees: evaluate and proceed with caution
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Mill Creek - Oregon Department of Forestry Campus in Salem
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MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Major media distribution January 19, 2012
Contact: Paul D. Ries, 503-945-7391
Cynthia Orlando, 503-945-7421
The heavy rains that have descended upon the Pacific Northwest this week are taking a toll on landscape trees. In some cases, homeowners will want to wait until the storm has passed to evaluate the damage and decide how to proceed.
In other cases, however, saturated soil can lead to root problems, causing trees to topple over.
Ideally, trees should be inspected on a regular basis, especially before and after storms. Conditions that can set your tree up to be particularly vulnerable include recent construction that has taken place near your tree, as well as trees that have been severely cut back, or "topped."
Trees with a significant lean may or may not indicate a problem; check for exposed roots around the base of your tree, especially if it has recently started to lean. Also look for hollow or decayed areas on the tree, which can indicate structural problems, and watch for any hanging or broken branches that are still lodged in the tree.
Some storm-damaged trees worth saving
Arborists usually advise homeowners and community leaders to exercise caution when dealing with a storm’s aftermath. That’s because there are two common mistakes people make when trying to clean up after a storm. The first is using harmful pruning techniques on trees that need only a light pruning; the second is trying to save trees that are far too damaged, and are likely to become hazardous.
"Often after a storm passes through, people become anxious to have their trees examined so they can prune or take other actions," says Paul Ries, an urban forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry. "However, it’s often the case that more trees become damaged as a result of improper post-storm activities, than were damaged directly by a storm. If we get increased winds after all this rain has saturated the soils, you’ll start to see a larger number of uprooted trees."
Common mistakes
Pruning a tree incorrectly can weaken it, setting it up for big problems. Topping - the practice of removing large branches and tops of trees - creates trees that are likely to be hazardous in the future. That's because a topped tree is much more likely to break or uproot in a storm than a tree with normal branch structure.
The opposite problem – ignoring or pruning a tree that should be removed – is another post-storm mistake.
What to do after a severe storm
Taking the right action after trees have been damaged can make the difference between giving trees a good chance of survival, or losing them unnecessarily. Properly selecting a qualified arborist is key.
"Homeowners should use caution when selecting a tree service company," said Ries, who manages the state's urban and community forestry program. Ries recommends using an arborist whose name and company are familiar to your community − even if that means waiting longer for service.
"Be careful not to overreact or you may end up removing valuable shade trees that are still sound, and take years to replace," adds Ries.
Other tips
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Beware of people or companies that show up at your door; their low prices may ultimately cost you more money in the long run.
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Most reputable companies have business cards, truck signs, and even uniforms that represent a professional level of service;
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Ask for references, and take your time selecting a reputable company.
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Hire a Certified Arborist – someone who has passed the International Society of Arboriculture certification exam. Consult your local yellow pages or visit www.pnwisa.org for a list of Certified Arborists.
"Arborists are often in great demand for several weeks following a storm," adds Ries, "so if your tree isn’t an immediate and visible hazard, it may be worth waiting a while."
For more information:
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Photo caption: Trees like these Oregon White Oaks can typically withstand short-term submersion in water, but after their roots have experienced long-term exposure they should be carefully monitored.
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