Jan.-March, 2008
Tree Care After Storms
Snow, ice, tornadoes, hail and high-velocity winds are just a few of the natural perils Missouri’s trees experience. When storms damage trees, cleanup and recovery can be overwhelming. Some injured trees can be treated and repaired to maintain their health and value to your home. Others should be removed. Here are some tips that will help you make the right decisions for your trees.
Safety First
Damaged trees often are tangled with overhead or down utility lines, creating a dangerous situation. Under no circumstances should you remove limbs that have electrical lines running through them. Treat all lines as if they were live; do not touch or approach them.
If there is no danger from electric lines, the first step is to remove trees or limbs that have fallen on your home or are blocking access. Look for hanging limbs up in the tree that could drop on your home or family.
Selecting an Arborist
When hiring someone to work on your trees, be sure you use a certified, experienced professional arborist. Here are some tips to help you find a qualified person in your area:
- Check the phone directory – if they’re listed then you’ll be able to find them later if something goes awry.
- Ask for proof of certification, worker’s compensation and liability insurance.
- Ask for local references.
- Do not accept take-it-now deals; get multiple estimates for your job.
- A conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes unless the tree is to be removed or someone is hurt
- Good arborists do not recommend topping.
Experts Agree:
Don’t Top Your Tree
Under no circumstance should trees be topped. This drastic pruning practice is also called dehorning, hat racking or stubbing back. Topping creates large wounds that rarely seal and are a convenient entry point for insects and decay. In addition, such radical pruning results in a profusion of sucker sprouts. These fast growing shoots are the first to go in the next storm. For more information on tree topping call toll free 1-877-40NO-TOP (1-877-406-6867).