Nebraska Forest Service Urges Caution When Dealing with Storm-Damaged Trees
With so much snow and ice this year, the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) is urging homeowners to use caution when dealing with trees. Falling limbs and other debris may pose a hazard long after extreme weather has passed.
When ice and snow builds up on trees, limbs do snap. While branches that break and fall are usually obvious, splits or cracks that form in trunks and branches may not be so obvious. This is the reason falling limbs can pose a hazard long after a storm.
When it is safe to do so, inspect trees for less obvious damage. Wait for ice and snow to melt naturally from trees before inspecting or pruning damaged branches. When inspecting trees, watch for falling ice and branches.
During inspection, look for splits or cracks in the trunk and major branches as well as disturbed soil around the trunk. These indicate possible structural problems. If you find these signs or suspect your tree may have structural problems, contact a professional Arborist for further assessment.
To locate an arborist in the area, call Columbus City offices for a list of licensed Tree Care Services or visit the Nebraska Arborists Association Web site at www.nearborist.org or the International Society of Arboriculture Web site at www.isa-arbor.com. for a list of Certified Arborists.
Safety is the first priority when dealing with storm damaged trees and the NFS has provided the following safety tips to follow:
- Again, wait for ice to melt naturally before inspecting or pruning damaged branches that can be reached from the ground.
- When removing fallen branches under a tree, watch for falling ice and limbs.
- Never climb a damaged tree to remove branches or attempt any type of clean-up on a tree that has ice or snow build-up, is leaning, or has a split trunk or branches. These tasks are best left to certified arborists.
- Never remove or trim branches that are interfering with power lines. Instead, contact your local power company.
- Be wary of individuals going door-to-door soliciting business. Reputable tree care companies are typically too busy to do this.
- Say “no thank you” to anyone who offers to top a tree. Professional foresters and certified arborists agree the practice of topping harms trees, increases the likelihood of structural problems leading to increased risks, and slows a tree’s recovery time after a storm.
Finally, the NFS reminds us it is not too early to begin planning to replant trees destroyed by storms. ReTree Nebraska, a ten year effort to plant and properly maintain one million community trees by 2017, provides resources for tree selection and planting assistance.
For more information about caring for storm-damaged trees, proper tree care practices and about the ReTree Nebraska program, visit the Nebraska Forest Service’s web site at www.nfs.unl.edu.
When ice and snow builds up on trees, limbs do snap. While branches that break and fall are usually obvious, splits or cracks that form in trunks and branches may not be so obvious. This is the reason falling limbs can pose a hazard long after a storm.
When it is safe to do so, inspect trees for less obvious damage. Wait for ice and snow to melt naturally from trees before inspecting or pruning damaged branches. When inspecting trees, watch for falling ice and branches.
During inspection, look for splits or cracks in the trunk and major branches as well as disturbed soil around the trunk. These indicate possible structural problems. If you find these signs or suspect your tree may have structural problems, contact a professional Arborist for further assessment.
To locate an arborist in the area, call Columbus City offices for a list of licensed Tree Care Services or visit the Nebraska Arborists Association Web site at www.nearborist.org or the International Society of Arboriculture Web site at www.isa-arbor.com. for a list of Certified Arborists.
Safety is the first priority when dealing with storm damaged trees and the NFS has provided the following safety tips to follow:
- Again, wait for ice to melt naturally before inspecting or pruning damaged branches that can be reached from the ground.
- When removing fallen branches under a tree, watch for falling ice and limbs.
- Never climb a damaged tree to remove branches or attempt any type of clean-up on a tree that has ice or snow build-up, is leaning, or has a split trunk or branches. These tasks are best left to certified arborists.
- Never remove or trim branches that are interfering with power lines. Instead, contact your local power company.
- Be wary of individuals going door-to-door soliciting business. Reputable tree care companies are typically too busy to do this.
- Say “no thank you” to anyone who offers to top a tree. Professional foresters and certified arborists agree the practice of topping harms trees, increases the likelihood of structural problems leading to increased risks, and slows a tree’s recovery time after a storm.
Finally, the NFS reminds us it is not too early to begin planning to replant trees destroyed by storms. ReTree Nebraska, a ten year effort to plant and properly maintain one million community trees by 2017, provides resources for tree selection and planting assistance.
For more information about caring for storm-damaged trees, proper tree care practices and about the ReTree Nebraska program, visit the Nebraska Forest Service’s web site at www.nfs.unl.edu.
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