Learn to take proper care of your trees

Recent wind and rain storms have caused damage to trees and shrubs in many parts of northern Illinois. It is important to use proper pruning techniques to help restore these plants' beauty and health, as well as to protect the safety of the workers and your home. University of Illinois Extension Educators suggest the following procedures.

If a tree has been severely damaged, it may not be especially attractive for a few years, but proper pruning can help extend its life, and eventually, its beauty. Remove damaged limbs as promptly as possible to prevent possible personal injury and also to help prevent insect and disease problems from developing on the trees. When doing repair or routine pruning, make the cuts flush, back to the nearest desirable limb. Do not leave stubs of limbs showing after the pruning. Such stubs are good "conduits" to start wood decay and increased insect activity.

Also, do not "top" trees to remove damaged branches. Use judicious selection and proper pruning methods on only the limbs that need repair. "Topping", or simply trimming off the ends of the branches at the top or sides of the tree, often results in a very unattractive tree with a flush of weak branches sprouting from the pruning cut, called a "witches broom." Such branches are usually weak and have narrow branching angles, which can lead to further breakage. Topping also may not repair the damaged parts of the tree.

For the first year or so after the damage, the tree may produce many unbalanced branches. Remove the weaker or undesirable limbs as they appear. The storm damage and pruning can cause a severe "shock" to the tree. Routine annual pruning should be done when most trees are dormant, but repair pruning needs to be done as soon as feasible.

Professionals may be needed to do the work, especially on large trees. Following storms, some contractors may approach homeowners to do repair work on trees. Homeowners should remember these tips on proper pruning when approached by contractors. Be sure to ask about their pruning and cleanup techniques, experience, insurance, local references and other pertinent information. If possible, soliciting several bids may be appropriate on larger jobs.