How to perform triage, First Aid for trees
As an admitted plant geek, it hurts my heart to look around at the battered landscape we are left with after Hurricane Michael bombarded us with unforgiving winds. At the same time, I am uplifted by all the emails and online threads I see asking “How can I save my tree?”
Every situation is different, but here are some quick tips to help you assess and mitigate damage to your landscape trees.
Is this a newly planted tree (less than one year)? If so, it is a good candidate to push or pull upright and stake for stability.
How big is the tree? Trees that are 4 inches or less in diameter are more likely to have the ability to regenerate a stable root system than larger trees. Diameter of 4-8 inches could be staked but may become a hazard later. It is not recommended that trees greater than 8-inch diameter be stood up because the risk of instability is high.
Are large, major roots severed? Large diameter roots (greater than 1-inch) do not regenerate roots as well as smaller roots. All trees that have had root disturbance will need adequate moisture to encourage regrowth of roots. During periods of dry weather, apply 2-3 gallons of water per inch trunk diameter as needed. Do not over-water, as saturated soils can inhibit root growth.
If soil below the rootball was blown away leaving air gaps, replace with native soil. Avoid piling soil on top of roots. Mulch lightly with a natural product such as pine straw or wood chips if fibrous roots are exposed.
Remove any broken, twisted or split branches from the tree canopy to prevent further damage to the tree or property below. Remove as little woody tissue as possible; the trees will need stored energy in living wood to help it recover. Prune back to the trunk, branch or node depending on what will leave as much tissue as possible but reduce risk of injury.
Make smooth, clean, angled cuts that preserve the branch collar or next viable bud. Sprouts generated after pruning should be left to help support the tree. Do not top trees.
If broken trees are not threatening injury or further property damage if left alone, consider leaving them in place. Snapped tree trunks and fallen trees can provide important habitat for wildlife and birds. Cavity nesting birds like some species of woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees make their homes in dead and decaying wood. Snags are also used as perches by predatory bird likes hawks and owls. Squirrels, possums, raccoons, salamanders and a variety of insects find homes or food in and around decaying wood like snags or fallen trees.
Landscape Recovery Series: Part I, "Trees," will be Jan. 17. The in-person class is full, but follow us on Facebook @bayifas for updates on how to watch a live broadcast online.
Landscape Recovery Series: Part II, "Shrubs and Screening," will be Feb. 21; Part III, "Groundcovers, Perennials and Annuals," will be March 14; Part IV, "Turfgrass," will be April 18. Tickets for upcoming classes will be available online about 10 days before each event. Follow us on Facebook for more information. Call the UF/IFAS Extension Bay County temporary phone number, 850-248-8091, for more information.
Extension Connection is provided by the UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.