"Emergency Tree Care 101"

In what could be called one of the most timely programs held at Rotary, Arborist Kathy Keeney gave a number of helpful tips for pruning trees damaged by the devastating ice storm two weeks ago. It is a good news-bad news type of situation, however. While some trees will survive with proper care, others will not, and those that do survive will carry the scars for many years to come. In fact, Keeney said our plentiful wooded areas will never look the same again.

Keeney also advised homeowners to use only licensed and insured tree trimmers to do major work. For those attempting to doing their own pruning she offered tips on how to help prevent insects or disease when trimming.

*Make a partial cut from beneath, at a point several inches away from the trunk.

*Make a second cut from above several inches outs from the first cut, to allow the limb to fall safely.

*Complete the job with a final cut just outside the branch collar, the raised area that surrounds the branch where it joins the trunk.

Smoothing the ragged edges of torn bark helps the wound heal faster and eliminates hiding places for insects. Never cut the main branches of a tree back to stubs. Ugly, weakly attached limbs will often grow back higher than the original branches and be more likely to break off in a future storm.

FEMA estimates there is 100 thousand tons of dead wood lying around within the city limits. That equals a million cubic yards. In the County that number jumps up to 750 thousand tons.

Keeney also provided a handout with a list of hardy trees to plant as replacements. February and March are an excellent time to plant some trees, while others are better suited to being planted in the fall.