Originally Published In The Deseret News -- Wednesday, November 6, 1996
Don't Deal With Limbs Near Wires. Homeowners Need To Realize Their Limitations.
Larry Sagers Is A Horticulturist With The Utah State University Extension Service.
Recent storms left a wave of destruction as they moved through in their winter fury. The cold temperatures and the snow caught most unaware. Many plants that could have been salvaged are now resigned to the compost heap. Some vegetables and flowers are protected under the soil and are still salvageable. Dig these quickly or mulch them to protect them from total destruction from the frost.
The storms seriously damaged numerous trees. The hot weather in early October prevented most trees from forming abscission layers on the leaves. Many trees still had the all their leaves when the heavy, wet snows hit the valley. The snow hung on the branches and destroyed many trees as the branches broke down.
Broken branches are serious enough, but as they break they cause further havoc. Power lines are the most obvious hazards. Numerous outages throughout the area attest to the destructive capabilities of the storm. Additional property damage occurs when falling branches damage or destroy structures, fences and other property and cause risk to individuals.
Dealing with storm damage is hazardous business. The conflict of the trees and the wires is dangerous. Under no circumstances should a homeowner ever attempt to deal with branches near wires of any kind. The hazards of electricity are real and can be lethal. Always call the utility company to deal with these hazards. Training, proper safety equipment and the ability to deactivate the lines are essential to reduce potential risks.
City forestry departments are also a good resource if the trees are on city property. Keep in mind that thousands of trees are in this category, so the departments give priority to the most serious problems. Getting to your tree may take weeks when damage is extensive throughout the area.
Professional arborists are an excellent resource to assist with serious tree problems. Utah is fortunate to have a certification program for arborists. Certification is done through the International Society of Arboriculture, and a listing of certified arborists is available by calling 538-5505.
Homeowners need to realize their limitations and remember the danger when dealing with large trees. No tree is worth serious injury or even death. Climbing in trees is hazardous, and when chainsaws and falling branches are added, the situation becomes extremely risky.
Homeowners can help protect their trees and prevent potential problems. Practice preventive maintenance. Proper training of trees while they are young is essential. Correct pruning later on is also essential. Topping creates trees prone to storm damage and may cause risk to life and property. Never prune trees this way.
Storm-damaged trees are often salvageable if the damage is not too severe. Extra weight from snow and ice often splits trunks and breaks branches. Repairing this damage is possible if you use the correct techniques.
Evaluate each problem created by the storm. Branches that are broken down usually need removal. Trunks that are severely damaged are usually a sign that the tree needs replacement. Repairs are possible only when the damage is not catastrophic. The first reaction is usually to bind or wrap the tree with wire, rope or cable to prevent further breakage. This is always a mistake. Wrapping anything around the wood is dangerous, as it girdles the wood and cuts off food and water in the tissues.
Bolting or cabling is a better solution. If the trunk is split but not broken, pull the wood back together. This may require a portable winch if the tree is large. When the break is closed, drill a hole through the wood. Run the bolt through the hole and use washers on both ends to secure the repair. The wood eventually grows over the bolt, which is permanently imbedded in the tree. Cabling is a similar technique and uses eye bolts imbedded in branches higher in the tree. After using the bolts as anchors to pull the tree together, tie wires or cables between the bolts to support the tree. Before using either of these methods on large trees, consult a professional arborist.
Trim broken branches back properly. Breaks leave stubs that will never close and allow insects and diseases into the wood. Trim all broken branches back to the collar or the branch bark ridge. This leaves the tissue that will overgrow or close the wounds and protect the trees.
Safety and tree health are two goals of good tree care. Severe storms, when the leaves are on the trees, always create problems. Reduce these problems with proper pruning and by removal of hazardous trees to protect life and property in your garden.
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.