Storm Damaged Trees and Fever Tick Map

Howdy,

  The tornadoes, high winds, and thunderstorms we've had around lately left the area with damaged buildings, vehicles, and trees. If you have damaged trees, make sure you keep a few points in mind when assessing the damage. 

• Is the tree creating a hazard with any broken branches, the proximity to buildings and or power lines?
• Aside from the storm damage, is the tree healthy?
• Are major limbs broken? Has the leader (main upward) branch been damaged?
• Is at least half of the crown (branches and leaves) still intact?
• How big are the wounds in the tree? The larger the wound the longer it will take to heal.

  Once you've assessed your tree, make a decision. If it's a keeper, prune the broken branches, repair torn bark or rough edges around wounds, and let the tree begin to heal.

• A mature shade tree can usually survive the loss of one major limb. The broken branch should be pruned back to the trunk, and large wounds should be closely monitored for signs of decay for the next few months.
• Young trees can sustain a great deal of damage and still recover. If the leader is still intact and the structure for future branching remains, removed damaged limbs and allow the tree to recover.
• Resist the temptation to prune heavily and remove only the damaged limbs to give the tree the best chance at survival.
• If the tree looks borderline and is not an immediate hazard, don't be afraid to wait a little while to see what happens. Prune the damaged limbs and give it time to see if it recovers.

  When pruning a damaged tree, cut all damaged branches at the nearest lateral branch, bud, or main stem- not in the middle of the branch. If you can't save the tree, or the damage is too severe for you, contact an arborist for help.

  

  For more information on repairing storm damaged trees, visit these two websites I used for parts of this blog article- agrilife.org and texashelp.tamu.edu.

  Our livestock and veterinary extension entomologist shared the most recently updated map for those of you following the cattle fever tick outbreak. Please read over this newest report below.

  Give us a call at our office, send me an email, or stop by if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Kate Harrell