Bark Trimming
 Trim bark when it has been partially stripped or torn but not girdled.
Removing the loose bark will:
- allow the tree to grow new bark over the exposed wood
- limit moisture build-up and fungus under the tear
Before trimming After trimming
- Use a sharp knife or chisel to make a clean cut at the edges of the tear.
- Do NOT paint the exposed wood with anything, including paint or tar.
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Monitoring
Use to keep track of how your tree is recovering from the storm.
Monitor trees every 3 months:
- Damaged trees on which work has not been started
- 25-50% branch damage
- Twisted or bent trunks
- 25-50% stripped bark
- 25% or less root damage
- 15 degrees or less of lean
- Eroded roots
- In decline
Monitor trees every 6 months:
- if you do not see damage
- after work is completed
Things to watch for:
- Trunk rot
- Root rot
- Increased lean
- Misshaped or off-color leaves
- Insect or disease problems
- Decline
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Mulching
Recommended for all trees but of particular importance for eroded areas
Mulching is intended to:
- Protect the roots from exposure and drying out
- Keep water close to the roots for easy absorption - makes your watering more effective.
Use wood chips or shavings
4-6 inches deep over entire root area
Do NOT mound mulch against the trunk - leave 2-4 inches of exposed ground next
to the trunk
For information on mulch follow this link to the
National Arbor Day Foundation (NADF)
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Pruning - branches
Pruning - roots
Recommended for trees with a few small roots that have been severed or torn
Root pruning is intended to:
- Create a clean ending for the damaged root
- Encourage new root growth from the cut
Use a sharp tool
Prune jagged ends of roots when it is possible to prune all the way through the
root - do not prune a partial break or prune through only a portion of the root.
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Replanting
Planting a tree in the proper location is always a good idea, so replanting
appropriately after a tree has been damaged by a storm is a great idea!
The following steps will help your replanting be a success:
- Select a good site - check for overhead and underground utilities; adjacent buildings, sidewalks and plants; and sufficient space for the tree to grow.
- Purchase a healthy, structurally sound tree.
- Plant it properly.
- Provide proper maintenance.
- Enjoy!
The following drawing shows the basics of proper planting.
- Dig the hole 2-3 times the diameter of the root ball.
- Place the root ball at or above ground level.
- Use nylon strapping or webbing for staking (see staking below).
- Mulch over the hole, but leave a bare area immediately next to the trunk.
The International Society of Arboriculture has a series of publications available on
the web in the category of "Before Tree Buying and Planting" at
Trees are Good.com. These publications provide information on selecting and
purchasing trees and planting them properly.
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Staking
Recommended for small trees that have exposed roots from partial root failure
or erosion
Stabilizes a tree and encourages root growth
Use 3-5 foot tall posts and nylon strapping or webbing whenever possible - avoid
the "hose and wire" method of staking.
Place the stakes on either side of the tree, 90 degrees from the prevailing wind.
For example, if your predominant winds are north and south, place the stakes on
the east and west of the tree
Remove staking after 1 year.
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Tree Removal
Recommended for trees that can not be remediated or that pose a hazard.
The size of the tree to be removed will determine whether you can remove it
yourself or whether you should hire a professional.
(See Do-It-Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional)
Before you begin removing a tree yourself, identify all powerlines that you may
contact. If there are any electrical lines that you may touch with a portion of the
tree, consider hiring a professional that works around electric lines regularly.
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The Next Steps
After identifying the damage and appropriate maintenance for your storm damaged tree, you may be interested in contacting professionals that can further identify the damage and/or help with the remediation:
Do-It-Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional
Who Do I Contact?
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated:
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