Recommendation for damage trees after a storm

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Small trees which are uprooted should be straightened and staked immediately. Photo/Submitted

September 5, 2011

FOR THE DAILY SOUTHERNER Bob Filbrun The Daily Southerner Mon Sep 05, 2011, 11:10 AM EDT

TARBORO —     Twisted trunks, splintered branches and upswept roots are images etched in my mind compliments of hurricane Irene. A casual observer passing through Edgecombe County might be inclined to reason that high winds and aging trees were largely to blame for the mess that resulted from last weekend’s disasterous storm. While 60 mph sustained winds, driving rain, declining trees and sandy soils certainly did play a role, a closer inspection of the fallen timber revealed some interesting detail about the overall condition of many of these trees.

    Overall health of your trees While I certainly wish to give Irene the due credit she deserves, there was a pervasive problem of internal decay in many of the fallen trees that I observed. mSome of the trees exhibited only subtle signs of decline; however, a distinct area of decay near the point of collapse was evident in many of the plant casualties. This type of internal tissue decline often results when the “walls” of the tree’s system are unable to compartmentalize the damage. As a result, fungi are introduced into the plant’s system and decay often begins.

    Then, insects acting as secondary pests contribute to the deterioration of the wood. When storm conditions persist, these weakened areas within the tree become extremely vulnerable to damage. As a preventative measure (when maintenance budgets and manpower allow), proper pruning of branches to the branch collar should follow any “damage” event. This enables a tree to develop proper “callus” tissue over the wound preventing the onset of such decay.

    Damage considerations Specialists at N.C. State suggest that you must first decide if the tree is worth saving. In most cases, this is dictated by whether the tree provides an essential function or offers sentimental or historical value. While the answer may be “yes,” you also need to assess the total amount of tissue damage. If over 30- 50 percent of the main branches or trunk are severely split, broken, or mutilated, the benefit of extensive attention is questionable. In addition, it can also be beneficial to assess the quality of the species in question; some tree species are more desirable than others and warrant a greater level of “nursing” care. Small trees which are uprooted should be straightened and staked immediately.

    However, if the tree exceeds 25 feet in height or is leaning in excess of 45 degrees, the prognosis is less than encouraging. A winch or ‘come-along’ can be used to straighten a leaning tree and then staking and guying will be necessary to maintain its upright position. After this procedure, be sure to firm the soil around the roots system to remove any air pockets and then water thoroughly. Keep the tree mulched and well watered during subsequent stress periods.

    Gradually prune and reshape the tree for balance and general appearance over a period of 3 to 5 years. Bruised and peeled bark When the level of damage does not exceeds 30-50 percent of the trunk’s circumference, trim bruised and peeled bark all the way around the wound to sound tissue. This technique will promote rapid healing. Use a sharp knife and do not cut any deeper than necessary. The top and bottom of the cut should be rounded instead of forming a sharp point. This will facilitate movement of moisture and nutrients around the damage area. Bob Filburn is an Edgecombe County Extension Service agent specializing in horticulture. Look for his Garden Guide each month on the Community page.

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The Garden Guide

Edgecombe Garden Club learns about downtown trees and Tarboro improvements
President Marilyn Douglass welcomed everyone to the March 7 luncheon meeting at the Fountains of the Albemarle.
Alan Thornton, Tarboro town manager, spoke to the club about “Trees in Downtown Tarboro” and included ways to help improve the community.
Prior to Thornton’s arrival, downtown merchants had expressed concern of a leaf litter problem and store fronts not seen well because of tree sizes.

April 13, 2012
A splash of late winter color
Most folks recognize that spring is the time for tulips and daffodils, but have you noticed that splash of purple across your turf or throughout your landscape beds? The glowing lavender flowers of henbit, along with the white flowers of hairy bittercress will soon yield seed, resulting in an entirely new crop of problems starting next fall. Henbit and hairy bittercress are two of our common winter annual weeds in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina.

March 29, 2012 2 Photos
Recommendation for damage trees after a storm
Twisted trunks, splintered branches and upswept roots are images etched in my mind compliments of hurricane Irene. A casual observer passing through Edgecombe County might be inclined to reason that high winds and aging trees were largely to blame for the mess that resulted from last weekend’s disasterous storm.

September 5, 2011 1 Photo
Local Roots – A New Farmers Market Model
As many of you know, my family and I recently traveled to Ohio for a family wedding. In between church decorating, reception hall set-up and rehearsal dinners, we managed to slip away to check out the local farmers market.
At this point, I should clarify the significance of this “side trip” and emphasize its relevance to recent developments at the Tarboro-Edgecombe Farmers Market.

July 11, 2011 1 Photo
Master Gardener’s hint: Pinch, pinch and pinch some more
Well, it is time to decide once and for all. Is that tall, stately stem with the bulging bud at the crown the promised returning perennial you planted last year or is it just another weed. You’ve been mulching and nourishing it for a couple of months, and now it’s time to commit.

June 6, 2011 1 Photo
Honey bees & the allure of flowers
Honey bees & the allure of flowers
Spring is such an exciting time of year; vegetation begins to “green-up”
all around us and flowers magically appear.

April 13, 2011 1 Photo
Q and A with the master Gardeners
Hello again. I don’t know about your garden, but the weeds are already winning in mine. They must feed on moonbeams or some stardust fertilizer formula, the way they get an overnight jump on me. I am considering an 11-3 shift on my knees to close the gap. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not puling, not yet anyway, just pointing out the obvious. No one has dropped a “Garden of the Month” sign in my yard, not even by mistake!

April 4, 2011 1 Photo
Time for Cool Season Crops
What signs do you look for to indicate the beginning of spring – golden daffodils dancing in the breeze, spring peepers filling the air with music, or maybe the sight of honey bees visiting the fragrant winter honeysuckle in your neighbor’s yard?
For me, the vibrant splash of red along our roadway and ditch banks give me the first indication that spring is near. Contrary to what many might think, that amazing burst of life is not new foliage, but instead is an abundance of delicate red maple flowers.

March 7, 2011 1 Photo

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