Wayne Clatterbuck provides tips on assessing and caring for residential trees damaged by storms
- Wayne Clatterbuck advises evaluating tree damage after a storm. Superficial harm may heal, but severe issues (e.g., major branch loss, trunk splits or uprooting) often require professional intervention or removal.
- For moderate damage, prune smaller branches back to larger ones with angled cuts near buds. Avoid stubs or flush cuts, and remove large branches carefully outside the branch collar. Safety is critical due to hazards like tension in limbs or downed power lines.
- Extensive damage, especially in large trees, warrants hiring a certified arborist (vetted for credentials and insurance). Avoid harmful practices like topping, which weakens trees.
- Trim torn bark into smooth, elongated shapes to aid recovery. Avoid wound dressings, as they trap moisture and hinder healing. Preserve foliage to support photosynthesis and energy recovery.
- Choose storm-resistant tree species (avoid brittle varieties), maintain tree health through proper care (watering, pruning, soil management) and remove hazardous trees proactively. Regular pruning (every 3–5 years) strengthens structure and reduces storm vulnerability.
Storm damage to residential trees can be devastating, leaving homeowners to deal with uprooted trunks, broken branches and stripped bark. Wayne K. Clatterbuck, from the
University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture, provides essential guidance on the matter in "
Storm-Damaged Residential Trees: Assessment, Care and Prevention."
Snow, ice, wind, hail and heavy rain are common culprits, causing dramatic destruction that ranges from split trunks to complete uprooting. The aftermath isn't just unsightly; it can stress trees, hinder growth and invite pests and diseases.
The first step after a storm is assessing the damage. Superficial harm may heal on its own, but severe damage – such as losing 30 to 50 percent of major branches or trunk splits – can be irreparable.
Different trees suffer differently. Mature trees often experience splits in the trunk, while younger trees may bend under ice or snow. Their recovery depends on the degree and duration of bending.
Blow-overs – caused by root failure from disease, shallow soil or saturation – are harder to remedy. Branches that break high up have a better chance of recovery than those that split near the trunk.
Once damage is assessed, proper care is crucial. For moderate pruning, smaller branches should be cut back to larger ones, making slanted cuts near buds to encourage new growth. Avoid leaving stubs as they hinder healing.
Large broken branches require careful removal outside the branch collar, never flush with the trunk, to prevent further injury. Safety is paramount when pruning; tension in broken limbs can cause dangerous kickback. Downed power lines and hanging branches pose additional hazards, so extreme caution is necessary.
For extensive damage, especially in large trees, hiring a certified arborist is recommended. Professionals from the International Society of Arboriculture should be vetted for insurance and references. Cutting large branches indiscriminately should be avoided, as it weakens trees and promotes unstable regrowth.
If bark is stripped, ragged edges should be trimmed into an elongated football shape to aid healing. Contrary to old practices, wound dressings are discouraged as they can trap moisture, attract pathogens and interfere with natural recovery. Trees need their remaining foliage for photosynthesis, so excessive pruning should be avoided to preserve their energy reserves.
Preventing storm damage is just as important as repairing it. Choosing the right tree species is key: Avoid brittle varieties like Siberian elm, willows and silver maple. Instead, opt for trees with strong, upright crowns and coarse branching patterns that resist wind and ice.
Maintaining tree health through proper watering, fertilization and avoiding soil compaction helps them withstand storms. Construction near trees should minimize root disturbance, and hazardous trees should be removed before they become a problem. Regular pruning every three to five years strengthens branch structure, reduces wind resistance and eliminates weak limbs.
While no tree is completely storm-proof, proactive care and prompt post-storm action can significantly reduce damage and improve recovery. By selecting resilient species, maintaining tree health and addressing damage quickly, homeowners can
protect their trees and landscapes from nature's worst. Clatterbuck's advice underscores that prevention and timely intervention are the best defenses against storm-related tree damage.
Watch this video about
Wayne K. Clatterbuck's "Storm-Damaged Residential Trees: Assessment, Care and Prevention."
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BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.
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