Thursday, August 11, 2011

Tips for saving trees after Joplin Tornado

(From the Missouri Department of Conservation)

The Joplin tornado damaged many trees causing total loss to minor limb breakage. These trees were family friends: providing shade; homes for squirrels and birds; a place to relax and play; and some were planted by loved ones or as memorials.

A tough decision needs to be made. Do you prune and keep your tree or to remove and replace it? Trees are resilient entities. They can recover from floods, drought, freezes, abuse, and other damaging events. Unfortunately, there is a point when they may never fully recover. When this occurs, it is generally better to remove and replace the tree.

Some trees will benefit from proper pruning, others will not. Proper pruning works with the trees biology and will help a tree recover from broken branch damage. Topping does not. Topping does the exact same thing storm breakage does, but with a flat cut.

To assist landowners, this workshop will be held on Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 PM at Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. Space is limited. Please register by calling 416-629-3423.

The Department of Conservation has facts sheets on “Tree Care After Storms” and “Basic Pruning Guidelines”. To get this free information, please contact Jon Skinner at 417-629-3423 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/forest-management/forest-health/tree-care-after-storms.

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