The after effects of a severe storm or hail are immeasurable. The buildings, houses and other construction is damaged, people face a decline in the quality of life till everything is back in place. Trees also face the severity of the storms but due to their resilient nature, trees can withstand the after effects and hence are ignored. Storms can affect the trees badly but before you wave a heartfelt goodbye to your tree thinking it has been finished by the storm, you need to assess it with help of an arborist service.
Assessing The Tree
- The tree assessment will be done by a professional. When the arborist will come, you will need to know information regarding the extent of tree damage.
- Even after a severe storm if your tree is still strong, sturdy and healthy then you need not worry. If it has retained its shape and there is no apparent damage to the structure, then the tree will easily recover and regain with some measures.
- Using a fertilizer on your tree will not always be beneficial. Sometimes a storm will cause the tree to lose all its leaves but still will have a structured and strong posture. In this case applying any sort of fertilizer or providing the tree nutrients will not be of any help. Let the tree heal and grow on its own.
- Is the main trunk and foliage of the tree intact or broken? The main trunk is the backbone of the tree because it gives the tree its shape and structure. If the back bone is lost, then the tree might be able to survive but it will lose its structure and be deformed and stunted in its growth. Your arborist will be able to guide you best whether your tree should be kept or not.
- If the size of the wounds is bigger in proportion to the diameter, then the tree will not be able to survive. If the size of the wound is around 2 to 3 inches, then it is expected the wound will heal and grow new bark within a few years.
- If at least 50% of the tree’s bark, foliage, branches and leaves are intact then according to the rule of tree survival the tree will survive and regain itself back in a few years’ time. The branches will help to grow new branches and leaves and will provide nourishment and nutrients. Also, you should never over prune the tree thinking that pruning all branches will stabilize the tree. The tree may not look a good sight for now but it will grow and heal quickly. Just remove the broken and dead branches so that there is no risk of pest infestation and decay.
- Look at the position of your tree. If the tree is planted in a residential area where there is public property, houses and people then it can fall off and damage people and properties. Also if the tree is situated near power lines then also the tree should be removed as the power lines may become entangled and cause damage.
What To Do Now?
If Your Tree Has Faced Minor Damage
You should keep the tree after the suggestion by an arborist off course. You can get treatment and first aid by an arborist for your tree so that it heals quickly. Even if your tree is young and has gone through major damage, you should still keep it because young trees heal quickly and can regain their health. You will need to prune the broken branches of your tree back to the tree trunk and it will grow and heal in no time.
If Your Tree Has Gone Through Major Damage But It Is Still Structurally Sound
You should wait and see before removing it. Just cut and prune the broken branches but make sure to not over prune as it will need all the nutrients and foliage for new growth.
If The Extent Of Damage Is Irreparable
You need to say goodbye to your tree and get it removed.
A professional arborist will be able to give you proper guidance about the care and first aid of your tree. If your tree can heal and grow again then it’s good but if not, then it is best to remove it by hiring a tree storm damage removal MD service.