September 2, 2007
Violent Wind Storms Hit Chicago
One cannot appreciate the damage wind storms cause to trees until they've experienced a storm like the one that passed through Chicagoland on August 23, 2007. Fortunately, major wind storms do not occur on a regular basis. The trees that normally take the brunt of the damage - Chinese and Siberian elms, poplars, silver maples, birches and willows - are the predictable victims. All of these species have brittle wood and are easily damaged by wind storms.
Homeowners often plant fast-growing species like the ones mentioned above for rapid shade. Fast-growing trees normally have brittle wood and develop weak, V-shaped crotches that easily split apart under added weight. Often, trees with extensive internal rot and decay that may not have been evident from the exterior receive severe damage. Many times these trees overhang the house, driveway or power lines servicing the home. When large limbs or tree tops are broken in a wind storm, they can cause major damage and expense.
For homeowners with trees with major limb or top damage, two questions should be addressed. The first one is: "Does the condition of the tree warrant efforts to save it or should it be removed?" Major tree repair can be quite expensive and should only be attempted if a major portion of the tree is still intact and efforts can be made to maintain its attractiveness and value to the property. If the whole side or top is gone, it's questionable whether it's worth spending the time and money to salvage the tree. This is especially true if it's one with brittle wood that lends itself to similar problems in the future. While no one wants to remove a large, mature tree, the prudent decision may be to replace it with a young tree possessing desirable qualities.
The second question to consider is: "Can you handle the damage repair yourself or should you seek professional help?" Small limbs can be removed easily with pruning shears or a pole-lopper provided they are within your reach. Do you feel comfortable climbing a ladder up into the tree? Power equipment should never be operated from a ladder or in the tree where firm footing is questionable. Removing hanging limbs should be left to professional tree services. Look for them under Tree Service in the Yellow Pages. Make sure they carry proper liability and workmen's compensation insurance before allowing them to start the job. Ask if they have a certified arborist on their staff. You can also find a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture website at http://www.treesaregood.org/findtreeservices/FindTreeCareService.aspx
The following are websites with information on how to deal with storm damaged trees and flooding:
Repair and Replacement of Storm Damaged Trees
Points on how to repair storm damaged trees and what to consider when replacing a tree
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/disaster/facts/edentrees.html
Pruning Storm Damaged Trees
Tips on pruning a damaged tree and how to hire a certified arborist from Jennifer Fishburn, University of Illinois Horticulture Educator
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/sangamonmenard/blogs/eb102/index.html
Storm Damage to Landscape Trees: Prediction, Prevention and Treatment
How to identify trees that may be susceptible to storm damage and steps to take to prevent damage
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7415.html
Repairing Storm Damage to Trees
Tips on repairing trees damaged by wind, ice and lightning
http://www.kbs.msu.edu/extension/storm/
Repairing Storm Damage to LandscapeTrees
Understanding the effect of floods on trees
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/DisasterRecovery/treedamage.htm
Can These Trees Be Saved?
How to evaluate a tree for repair or replacement
http://www.arborday.org/media/stormrecovery/2_canthesetreesbesaved.cfm
How to Keep a Living Memory of a Tree with Cuttings
If you want to try to keep a living memory of the tree and are willing to invest the years to see it mature, you can take cuttings before the tree is chopped up and hauled away. Success is not guaranteed; cuttings from mature trees do not root as reliably as cuttings from young trees. But if your tree is damaged beyond saving, you have nothing to lose by trying. From Beth Botts's Chicago Tribune Blog, The Chicago Gardener.
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/chicago_gardener/2007/08/how-to-root-a-t.html#more
Trees Are Good
Tree care information from the International Society of Aboriculture
Selecting Trees for Your Home
This site will help you make knowledgeable decisions when selecting a tree for your landscape
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/
Illinois Tree Selection
This website provides you with a guide for selecting the best tree for your situation. It includes selection information, a list of some common diseases, and common insect or insect related problems for each species.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselect/
University of Illinois Disaster Fact Sheets
Fact sheets on disaster preparedness and recovery
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/disaster/guide/g_facts.html
Flood Clean Up Information
Tips on cleaning clothing, furnishings, household appliances and walls and floors after flooding
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/DisasterRecovery/flood.htm
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:10 AM |
