Tips on managing storm-damaged trees

From the University of Minnesota Extension:

Minnesota property owners in urban and rural areas have experienced strong winds and storms, and devastating damage to their trees, in the past few weeks. Many valuable educational resources regarding storm damaged trees can be found at the University of Minnesota Extension Forest Resources website at www.forestry.umn.edu/extension/urban_com/stormdamage.html.

Homeowners should consider several tips when their property is affected by a storm:
• Contacting your homeowner’s insurance company is probably one of the first tasks a person should do. Take photos of the storm damage and document what property structures were affected for insurance purposes.

• Check with city or county officials regarding tree disposal procedures and pick up. The city forester would be the main contact.

• Think safety before pruning or removing trees. If you need a ladder or a chain saw you should contact an arborist. Homeowners should consider hiring a reputable, certified and credible tree care professional or arborist who has the equipment and skill to do the clean up. To locate a certified arborist in your area go to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) page at www.isa-arbor.com/findarborist/verifyArbByPostal.aspx.

If oak trees are damaged in the summer, it is recommended that a fresh pruning cut be made within a day or two, then apply water-based paint or varnish to the pruned area to seal the wound to reduce the risk of oak wilt infection.

When selecting replacement trees, consider trees other than green ash (or any ash trees) due to the possible future infestation of the emerald ash borer. See the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website for more information about this borer at www.mda.state.mn.us/invasives/eab. For a list of suggested trees that will grow in your area look at the Forest Resources Extension web site listed above.