What to Do About Damaged Trees

The devastating winter storm of October 26 did more than create dangerous travel conditions and cause power outages. It damaged and destroyed many trees, which are a beautiful and proud part of Sarpy County heritage. In response to information requests for how to respond to tree damage, the following information is offered by the Douglas County Extension Service.

In the Short Term....

The sap inside trees is now frozen. Do not attempt to knock snow off a tree, since that could further damage the tree and injure you.

You need not hurry to get the tree trimmed.

If the central leader of the tree is broken out or split, tree recovery will require time and effort. The best alternative may be removal and replacement, possibly with a heartier tree.

You may not see full recovery this fall, do not be alarmed. The tree may recover in the spring.

In the Long Term....

There will be an influx of tree trimmers into the area seeking your business. Use good consumer practice when considering a tree trimming service:

• Use only tree trimming services which have provided good service in the past, or
• Ask for customer references and check with them to verify the quality of the company's work.
• Ask for and verify proof of the tree trimmer's liability insurance. If the tree trimmer does not have insurance, they may not be able to pay for any damage they cause.
  
• Comparison shop - get the best price between reputable companies.
  

Wounds that are not healed over within two years may be infested with carpenter ants. Therefore, huge open cuts could indicate that the tree will need to be removed and replaced.

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Created October 28, 1997

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