A little care keeps trees healthy in winter
An ardor for arbors does not cool with the seasons, but the cold months hold special dangers for trees: windstorms, heavy snowfall and dry air that can turn branches brittle.
If a storm has come and gone, a little know-how -- and the willingness to call a professional -- can guide any gardener.
Assess the damage
Often, elements that are harsh on humans barely harm sturdy trees. After a storm, grab a broom and tour your lot. Only trees with trunks bowed by snow need be touched.
Gently shake the trunk and bounce branches from underneath, using the bristle end of the broom to dislodge snow. After an ice storm, do nothing at all, said Patrick Parker, a plant health care specialist at the SavATree lawn service. The icy coat acts as both a load and support.
If more severe damage has occurred, including large broken branches or a split trunk, a decision must be made whether it's worthwhile to save the tree, depending on its condition and value. Uncertain owners should call an arborist to make the determination, Parker said, because "small rips and cracks over time can impact the structural integrity of the tree" and cause it to tumble unexpectedly.
Prune
For salvageable trees, the next question Parker advised asking is: "Can I repair the tree myself or should I call a professional?"
Major repair often requires chainsaws and climbing equipment, which can be dangerous for those unused to Tarzan-style yard work. When removing broken branches yourself, Michigan State University's Extension Service recommended making the cut at the nearest lateral branch, bud or main stem, not in the middle of a branch.
"Such careless pruning may result in death of the entire branch or in excessive sprouting and the eventual development of more problems later on," according to information from the university.
It further suggested using shears or a pole-pruner for branches with a 3-inch diameter or smaller, and a sharp saw for larger branches.
Trim torn bark
The most common way for bark on the trunk or branches to rip is when trees are struck by lightning, and tears can lead to wood decay. Michigan State counsels owners to trim loose bark back to where it's solidly attached to speed healing.
Replant
Hope remains even after tree roots have been pulled above ground, as long as they are shorter than 25 feet and half the roots are still in the soil.
A power lift is usually needed to pull the tree upright, according to Michigan State's extension service, and soil should be filled in around the roots and watered once the tree is back standing. Several guy lines tied to anchors 12 to 15 feet from the base will hold the tree in place until the roots regain a firm hold.
Check-up
Tree owners often must wait until the spring thaw to fully nurse their arbors through the recovery process.
At that time, Parker recommended regularly fertilizing the soil to increase root health and checking for bugs or illness. "Insect and disease issues become more damaging after a tree has been through the stress of a storm," he said.
Ounce of prevention
Like their two-legged caretakers, trees that are kept in good shape throughout the year are less likely to be harmed when the going gets rough. Parker suggested "developmental pruning" -- forming the tree's structure early in its life by trimming to create evenly spaced branches that don't compete with one another for sunlight.
"When a tree is young, you can influence its future architecture a lot," he said, noting that cables and supports can be added to keep older, untrimmed trees stable.
Selecting climate-appropriate species also increases their chances of surviving the stormy season. Rapid-growing varieties like Chinese Elm, Silver Maple, Box Elder and various poplars have brittle, easily broken wood, according to the extension service, which notes that homeowners should avoid planting such species near buildings and utility poles.
Hardier oaks and other maples fare better in winter weather, Parker said, and small ornamental varieties typically suffer less damage than large shade trees.