After a storm, tree first aid

Nov 11

Property owners often respond to large storms with a "let's clean it up!" However, sometimes rash decisions lead to the destruction of trees that could easily have been saved.

You can save your trees' lives by taking the proper steps after they have been damaged. Below are some guidelines to provide Kansas City Storm Damage initial aid.

Don't try to do it all by yourself. For large limbs that are damaged or hanging from trees, as well as for work such as overhead chainsaw cutting or high climbing, an arborist should always be consulted. They have the required equipment and knowledge. Their phone numbers are usually listed under the heading "Tree Service" in your phone book.
Keep yourself safe. Take a look at both the top and bottom. You should be on the lookout to see if there are any fallen power lines or potentially dangerously hanging branches. Keep away from downed power lines and low-voltage telephone lines. Even fence wires can be electrically charged if they are nearby. Avoid getting into broken or hanging branches. Don't try to cut trees with a chainsaw unless you have the necessary skills.
Take away any damaged branches. Property owners can remove smaller-sized broken limbs after a storm. When done correctly, it will minimize the chance of decay agents entering the area. It is best to trim smaller branches where they join with larger branches. An arborist will trim any broken branches to the trunk of the main limb.
Repair torn bark. Smoothen the edges of bark removed from wounds with a knife or chisel to improve tree appearance and eliminate insects' hiding places. Cambium (greenish inner bark) should be kept under control. These layers protect the tree's food and water supply between roots, leaves, and stems.
Avoid over-pruning. Don't be discouraged if the tree's appearance isn’t perfect. The branches of your tree may be missing or appear unbalanced. You'll be amazed at the speed with which they recover, sprout new leaf, and regain all of their original beauty.
Don't forget about pruning your trees! Untrained individuals may suggest that you trim all of your branches. Incorrectly believing that this will reduce the risk of breaking down during storms, untrained people may also advise you to do so. According to professional arborists, "topping," also known as cutting main branches back down to stubs, can be one of the worst decisions you make for your trees. Stubs have a tendency to regrow weakly linked branches which are more likely to fall when storms hit. To recover from storm damage, the tree will need all of its resources. If the tree can be topped, the tree's ability to rely on the foliage for food or nourishment will be less. A tree that is topped has a higher chance of dying than one that has been badly damaged by a storm. It will not recover in the best possible condition and may lose its beauty and original form.

Cutline - A branch may break during pruning because of its weight. Remove the bark to make it easier for insects and diseases to thrive. Follow these instructions to avoid that.

A partial cut should be made from under the trunk. This will allow you to reach a point that is several inches away.
To allow the limb safe to fall, make a second cut at least three inches from the first.
The final step is to make a cut just outside of the branch collar. That is the raised area that surrounds each branch and connects to it.

To know more contact with Tree Trimmers Kansas City

Tree Trimmers Kansas City

1503 N 5th St, Kansas City, KS 66101, USA

(913) 382 8880