January 11, 2005

Purdue expert offers advice on dealing with damaged trees

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Homeowners assessing tree damage from the recent ice storm need to make a few important decisions soon, according to a Purdue University horticulture expert.

"First assess if there are breaks in branches that have not yet fallen," said B. Rosie Lerner, Purdue Extension specialist. "For small, lower branches it is relative easy for the homeowner to remove them from the tree."

Lerner said when removing branches, homeowners should use proper pruning tools to ensure a clean, smooth cut that allows the tree to seal off the wound. Proper tools include hand sheers, loppers and pruning saws. Hand sheers are used on branches up to one-quarter inch in diameter. Lopping shears can be used on branches up to one and one-half inch in diameter. Use pruning saws on branches more than one inch thick, Lerner said.

For larger limbs, or those that are too far up for the owner to reach, Lerner suggests hiring a professional tree trimmer.

Jagged, broken branches should be cut clean to allow the tree to heal properly. Lerner noted that this does not need to be done immediately, but should be done before new spring growth begins.

"People often ask if they need to apply pruning sealants or tar," Lerner said. "There is some controversy regarding these products, but generally they have not been shown to be helpful. Some scientists believe that the sealant may interfere with the tree's ability to form a protective callous over the wound."

Just because a trunk is split does not necessarily mean the tree will die soon. Large, split branches or trunks that have not broken off the tree can be braced and possibly saved by an arborist. However, Lerner said the tree's wounded area will always be a weak spot that is susceptible to disease, rotting and insects.

In typical ice storms, the trees hardest hit are weak wooded species such as silver maples, Siberian elms, river birch and willows, Lerner said.

"Evergreens are also particularly vulnerable, because they still have foliage and so tend to collect more ice," she said.

Many evergreens, such as pines and spruce, are not able to fill in new growth where the damage occurred, so the natural shape of the tree can be permanently affected, Lerner said.

"In many cases, topping trees causes them to regrow numerous weak branches that are susceptible to breakage," Lerner said. "These are among the first of the branches that fall during an ice storm."

For more information on pruning, contact a local Purdue Extension office and ask for bulletin "HO-4, Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs" or go online.

For an arborist, look for companies listed in the local phone directory under "tree service." Lerner suggested getting estimates from companies and references from others who have used the tree service before signing a contract for the work.

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722; forbes@purdue.edu

Source: B. Rosie Lerner, (765) 494.1311; rosie@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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