Ice Damaged Tree

The southern Illinois area was hit hard with recent ice storms and many trees were damaged. Some damaged so severe the tree was lost but some with some attention can be helped with some corrective pruning.

The question then to ask is who will do the pruning. Large trees are best left to the experts. But be sure you talk with them before hand and tell them what you want. That way both parties understand the situation and the expected cost. If trees are close to a power line one should contact the power company due to the danger of high voltage. Look for limbs which are entangled within the tree which could fall. These situations are dangerous and may need immediate attention. Of course currently all parties are extremely busy and unless you have a dangerous situation you most likely will have to wait. If a new tree is going to replace a lost tree be sure to look up and down. Look up to know where a tree will grow and if a power line is above it then problems will be in its future. Look down to see where is the sewer or water main which may need attention and then the tree will be destroyed. Choose a tree which will not reach a height that will affect the power line and move over away from water and sewer mains.

Small trees which have broken limbs can be pruned back. One must always remember that a stub is never left. It only invites disease or insects later. Small trees which are severely damaged should be replaced. I am talking about trees which will never grow correctly. Why waste time on growing a bad tree when a new one will grow much faster.

Some great choices of maples include the Norway, Red, Sugar or Black. If an oak is wanted then a White, Bur or Red will with stand the next ice storm much better. Trees like Silver Maple, Willow, Green Ash or Bradford Pears never do well in ice storms.

If limbs are going to be removed be sure to prune the limb back to a side branch. Heading a limb without side branches will only make things worse. Due to the fact too many buds will break and the tree will look like a bird nest. Everyone has seen those trees which were pruned incorrectly. The ice storms in the area have left us all some challenges but pruned correctly several trees can be saved.

If more than 1/3 of the bark is removed from around a tree most likely that tree will never grow properly. So look for a replacement for those trees.

We are offering a pruning workshop on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 pm. Call 618-993-3304 to register.