April showers bring May Flowers. Many of us were taught this little rhyme to describe the weather of Spring. April has arrived along with the beginning of the Spring storm season and damage to and from trees is a topic of concern on many minds. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, stem failure, and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property.
Figure 1. Storm season is upon us. There are a number of resources from Purdue to help dealing with storm-damaged trees.
If your tree is damaged, there are some steps to deal with the situation. First and foremost, consider the safety of yourself and others around you. Inspect the tree from a distance first, looking for the following:
- Heaving of the ground, indicating potential root failure
- Damage to limbs and/or the trunk of the tree
- Hanging branches can fall to the ground, resulting in injury or death
- Be aware of utility and power lines. Trees can become charged by coming in contact with live wires. All utility lines should be considered energized and dangerous.
If you find your trees damaged from a storm hiring an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist to perform a risk assessment will help guide your decision of how to manage your tree. To find an arborist near you and verify credentials, use the link at Find an Arborist, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). For more information, you can also view the publication Trees and Storms, located in The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center.
Resources:
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Caring for storm-damaged trees/How to Acidify Soil in the Yard – In the Grow, Purdue Extension
Moist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down – Fox 59 News
Expert: Some storm damage can be easily prevented – Fox 59
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, The Education Store
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
