With several storms already on the books and more forming, now might be a good time to review management tips for storm-damaged trees.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is especially true for new tree plantings. Young trees can easily be selected, arranged, and pruned to help limit potential storm damage. Choose tree species that fit site-specific growing conditions (sunny, shady, wet, dry, etc.) to promote tree health, and locate trees so they do not create additional hazards in the future. You are probably familiar with trees planted under or near power lines that eventually reached into these lines creating issues during storms. These trees often result in downed lines and dangerous pruning operations that could have been avoided.

It is also important to consider trees species that have higher resistance to storm-force winds such as American (Ilex opaca) & Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria). Poorly branched trees such as Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) and trees with brittle branches like Pecan (Carya illinoensis) are hazards in the landscape, especially if they are planted near homes and people. These trees will split and break in heavy winds, leading to excessive fallen debris and detract from the beauty of the landscape. For a more comprehensive list of trees species and their wind resistance ratings, review the University of Florida IFAS Extension note titled “Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes“.

Additional factors to consider are trees with preexisting growth habits that affect their ability to withstand hurricane winds. Trees with co-dominate leaders can easily split as the narrow angles they form creates added stress on the trunk. Trees with cavities or previous injury (broken branches) can also be suspect. Hazardous trees that can be difficult to spot include trees with decay or poorly formed and functioning root systems. Signs of decay include poor growth and fungal fruiting bodies such as mushrooms, brackets, or conks. They may form in the bark near old wounds, on trunks, and on roots. A poorly developed root system leaves a tree susceptible to being blown over and often invites infection from decaying organisms. Trees growing in saturated soils and exhibiting poor growth should be evaluated closely.

Preventative training and pruning are much easier to perform on smaller and younger trees. Larger trees that have dead, dying, or diseased limbs should be pruned to remove these hazards. Consider hiring a certified arborist to perform these tasks. If large trees with hazards cannot be corrected, then removal of that tree should be considered.

If you do experience tree damage during a storm, first examine the site for safety. Do not attempt to remove tree damage without first determining if it is safe to do so. Leaning trees, downed power lines, twisted trees, and trees under tension pose extreme danger.

Large leaning trees and wind thrown trees with exposed roots ripped from the ground should be removed. Trees with extensive trunk damage, trees with more than 50% canopy loss, and trees with broken central leaders should also be considered for removal. Their survival is suspect and will pose potential hazards in the future.

Consider keeping small trees that have been uprooted or have lost canopy. You can straighten, replant, and stake these trees. If in doubt you may want to wait and reevaluate small trees at a later date if they pose no immediate risk.

For more information on evaluating storm-damaged trees review the NC State Extension note titled “Storm Damaged Landscape Trees“.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Daniel Simpson at 252-745-4121 or email at daniel_simpson@ncsu.edu.