High winds and heavy snow from winter storms over the past week have left some Michigan homeowners with injured trees or broken limbs. Safety is a big concern when it comes to storm cleanup, especially in freezing temperatures.
After a storm, first check for broken tree limbs near power lines or lying around your home. These should be treated by professionals. Experts should also handle dangling branches and split branches that you can’t reach from the ground. Stay away from debris entangled in power lines and notify your utility company immediately.
After addressing dangerous branches, proper pruning and care for damaged trees are important to the long-term health and safety of trees. This can be accomplished when working conditions are safest in the spring.
If your trees have withstood only minor damage, the winter pruning tips offered in this “Showing the DNR” story can help ensure the health of your trees. For other common situations, see the following tips:
Get expert help for climbing or chainsaw jobs. Licensed arborists are tree care professionals trained to evaluate storm-damaged trees; they have the expertise to determine how much of a tree can or should be saved. Always ask for proof of license, insurance and employment references. Find more information on hiring an arborist from ISA-Michigan, the Michigan chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.
Keep pests in mind when disposing of wood. The wood that remains after trees are damaged by storms can harbor insects or diseases that are harmful to forests. Removing debris from the local area can spread pests.
Recycle or reuse woody storm debris. Check out the national Don’t Move Firewood campaign for recommendations on seasoning and using local firewood.
Helpful Resources
Questions? Email [email protected].
Find more information on tree care and community forestry at Michigan.gov/UCF.
Source: news.google.com