Helping Trees Stand Tall

by Stefanie Fishman, Project Assistant

The highway departments are usually responsible for the trees on the roadside. The key to the survival of a tree is the care it is given before and after an injury.

Prevention

The best way to avoid storm damage is to prevent it. The following are preventive actions. tree sketch

Plant trees in an appropriate location by imaging what it will look like as it matures, and how it will fit into the surrounding area.
Avoid planting trees near power lines or close to buildings.
Plant species of trees with naturally deep root systems to prevent it from blowing over.
To minimize ice storm damage, choose trees that loose their leaves early.
After planting a tree, keep it healthy by watering, fertilizing, and protecting the tree from soil compaction.

Damage to trees can occur during construction, sidewalk replacement, or other excavation. Crews should avoid cutting tree roots as much as possible. If it is necessary to cut the roots, they should keep the damage to a minimum.

Pruning

Proper pruning contributes to the longevity of the tree before and after damage. It improves the appearance of injured trees and reduces the risk of additional hazards.
    Pruning should be done annually on dead or weakened limbs, and occasionally to thin excess branches from the treetop or crown. The goal of pruning is to produce a well-shaped tree, with the center of gravity over the trunk and a crown that allows wind to pass through it. Any trees with broken tops should be pruned to create a strong lateral branch.
    Cutting flush against a large limb weakens a tree's natural defenses against disease. Cuts should be made just to the outside of the raised areas of the branch intersections. When limbs are broken off, crews should use a chisel or sharp knife to smooth ragged edges. This improves the appearance and eliminates hiding places for insects. Bark should be removed to the point where it is attached to the tree.
    Wound dressings were once thought to speed up healing, prevent diseases, and reduce decay. Recent research has shown that this is untrue. Many experts recommend not using wound dressing. If the department does decide to apply dressing to damaged areas for aesthetic purposes, it should use only a thin coating of a non-toxic material.
    After a storm hits, damage may not be seen immediately apparent. Trees may have hidden cracks, stem decay, or contain insects. Hidden cracks may not be seen until branches drop, usually in the spring. After two or three growing sea-sons, stem decay or cracks may cause the tree to begin dying.
    A dying tree should be removed immediately. Insects are attracted to stressed, dying, and dead trees. They might infest healthy trees.

Leaning Trees

Leaning trees might or might not be saved. In ice storms, the heavy ice causes a tree to tip and break the root system. A tree leaning from root breakage is un-likely to survive. The best option is to remove and replace the tree.
Very young trees may be able to survive if gently pulled back to the vertical position. This must be done carefully in order to avoid damage to the roots. It should be staked for the first year to prevent it from falling again. To stake a tree, use a one inch strap or other fabric. Do not use rope, wire, wire in a garden hose, or any other narrow band of material to tie around the tree. The strap should be inspected once a week during the growing season to minimize injury to the bark. Any air spaces formed by loosened soil should be pressed out. The root area should be covered with two to four inches of mulch and watered twice a week if there is no rain.

Disposal

If all else fails and the tree must be removed. There are several ways of disposing it. The wood may be chipped and saved for later use, disposed of on the property or transported off-site. Never place chips in wetlands, watercourses, or drainage areas. With certain restrictions burial of branches, limbs, and chips is also an option. The DES's Waste Management Division should be contacted for restrictions.

Hiring a Professional

    It is important to consider safety when pruning trees. Workers using a chain saw should wear protective gear and work in a safe environment. Branches hanging over power lines are a safety hazard to the person removing them. The local power company or a professional arborist should be contacted to prune them. For information relating to safety see Road Business articles "Electrical Safety," Spring 1999 and "Chain Saw Safety," Spring 1998.
    In some cases a qualified professional is the best person to prune, remove, or replace trees. A professional can strengthen the crown of a tree by installing flexible cable and rigid bracing.
    When selecting an arborist, choose one in an established business. It is best to use a member of the NH Association of Arborist or the International Society of Arboriculture, or a person with a National Association of Arborist Certification. Membership in one of these associations usually indicates that the person has a high degree of knowledge. One should also ensure the arborist is fully insured for property damage, personal liability and workers compensation.
    Departments should get a few estimates. If the tree needs to be removed find out who is responsible for removing the limbs and debris from the property and if the price includes stump removal and clean up. Trees have value as firewood and chips, so ensure this is considered in the estimate.
    To find an arborist, look in the local yellow pages or contact other municipalities.

Sources
"Ice Storm 1998". Information Sheet #8. Durham, NH. February 27, 1998.
Department of Resources and Economic Development. "How to Select an Arborist or Tree Service". Concord, NH. January 16, 1998.
Department of Resources and Economic Development. "Immediate Care for Storm Damage Trees". Concord, NH. January 16, 1998.
NH Department of Environmental Services. "Storm Damage Cleanup". 1998.
Fazio, James R. ed. Tree City USA Bulletin. No. 2. "When a Storm Strikes". Nebraska City, NE. 1988.
Jahns, Marsha ed. Trees: The Gardener's Collection. Des Moines, IA. 1993.
McEvoy, Thom J. & Lamson, Neil. "Ice Storm 1998". Information Sheet #9. Durham, NH. April 2, 1998.

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