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Storm Damaged Branch on Weeping Japanese Maple
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Hurricanes such as the recent Hurricane Sandy have caused extensive damage to landscape trees along the northeastern coastline. This Weeping Japanese Maple was a victim to the gale force winds and has suffered major damage to one of its limbs. Every year extensive damage can occur to tree branches from factors such as hurricanes, ice storms and lightning. If you have experienced similar damage here are a few tips for repairing weakened trees that I hope you find useful.
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| Storm Damage to Tree Bark |
Torn and Peeled Bark: Repairing torn and peeled bark on your damaged trees in a timely manner can help to preserve their vitality. To remove crevices for moisture accumulation or hiding places for insects use a sharp chisel or knife to smooth the ragged edges where the bark has been torn (see diagram). Clean ragged wounds and smooth out the area as much as possible so that healing can start. If possible try to form an elliptical shape without cutting too deeply. The underlying greenish inner bark (cambium layer) should start the repair process. If the damaged area is less than twenty five percent of the circumference of the branch the tree should heal over time with no permanent damage. Anything more could be too much and could lead to eventual removal of the limb. Avoid the usage of any wound sealants or coatings. There has been recent controversy about the use of wound sealants over the past few years. Recent studies have shown that sealants may not help in speeding up the healing process but may actually hinder it. Also as the sealant breaks down possible crevices may form allowing moisture to accumulate. This can lead to possible fungal infection and further damage to the tree.
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| U.S. Department Of Agriculture |
Damage to Branches: If the tree branch is severely damaged beyond repair it is best to remove it completely. First prune smaller branches (less than 3 inches) where they meet larger ones using clean cuts with loppers or larger branches with a saw or chain saw. Use the three cut method first making an undercut 12- 18 inches from the main stem to relieve some of the pressure of the branch. Then make two more cuts, one closer to the main branch (2-3 inches away) then a final smooth flush cut where the branch meets the collar as shown in the diagram. The tree will form a protective callus tissue and heal itself.
Uprooted Trees: Smaller trees can be saved if one third to one half of their root system is still in the ground. Remove some of the soil around the root mass and push upright using several helpers or equipment. Fill in the soil and cable the tree in place using two to three guide wires and anchors into the soil. Water the tree to keep it in place and remove air pockets. It is usual to keep the cables on for one year then remove them as the tree grows. A spring feeding can help the tree to regain strength and encourage new growth.
Following these practices can allow your tree to heal and help to ensure the extended lifetime of your landscape plants.
Informative post...thank you. I had heard that the use of sealants could hinder healing. Thank you for the information.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had damage from Sandy. I'm glad you were able to provide some information to help folks attend to their trees.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.
Thank you Sue. We feel fortunate to have only some damage. I do admit I am a bit heartbroken over this poor Japanese Maple. It took years for it to get the way it was. I pruned the broken branches and tended to the damage and am hoping it will get strong again.
ReplyDeleteI hope it does, too, Lee. I hope winter is not too hard on it.
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, what a timely post. This post will be off the charts with people looking for help. Many do not realize how many trees can be saved either.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the article, its really hard to tell the difference sometimes between storm damaged and normal trees. Some of my ones that aren't damaged do have the missing layer but its been like that naturally, I forgot what specie it is.
ReplyDelete-Samudaworth Tree Service