“Can This Tree Be Saved?”

This is the story of two trees – a Sugar Maple (a deciduous tree) and a Dawn Redwood (a coniferous tree). Both of these trees were bought from local nurseries. They were beautiful specimens and both had been planted about eight years ago. Each tree was growing well in it’s location (southern New Hampshire), and each was expected to live well over 100 years.

Then, on October 29, 2011 with the leaves still on the trees, (it had been such a mild autumn), New Hampshire got a heavy wet snowstorm of over 6 inches! Like so many trees in the area, storm damage was the result.

The Sugar Maple lost it’s ‘leader’ and multiple other branches – about 25 percent of it’s foliage. The Dawn Redwood’s ‘leader’ snapped off under the weight of the snow. Within a few weeks I had pruned the broken branches out of the trees. Now, with summer on it’s way, the trees have leafed out and are recovering.

But of course the Sugar Maple has lost it’s shape and form.

Sugar Maple

And the Dawn Redwood has lost it’s top.

Dawn Redwood

“Are these trees worth saving?” That’s the question many homeowners have when looking at their storm damaged trees…

My answer is ‘Yes’.

There are several things that can and should be done to help these trees recover and become attractive specimens again. When a tree loses a percentage of its branches and foliage to storm damage it is stressful for the tree. Foliage, along with the root system, is the feeding and growth mechanism of the tree. Foliage loss means the tree must work harder in its growth and development.

What can be done to aid the regrowth?

Deep Root Fertilization will give these trees the boost they need. With deep root fertilization the trees’ feeder roots have immediate access to nutrients. Because feeder roots are about 4 –6 inches below the surface of the ground, there is no competition with the lawn grass when this type of fertilizing method is used.

Additional Pruning to begin reshaping the tree (particularly the Sugar Maple) is also recommended. Any broken stubs or branches should be pruned.(This was necessary with the Dawn Redwood.) Trees grow taller when new cells are produced at the tips of the twigs, causing the twigs to grow longer. Correct pruning, done by an Arborist, ensures that the tree will both regain it’s shape, develop a new main leader, and maintain a healthy structure.

Adequate Watering is another essential element to relieve undo stress. A hose under the dripline of the trees’ canopy will give a good soaking.

If you have trees that have suffered storm damage, call for an estimate to see what can be done to keep them. It’s often just fertilizing and pruning that will restore trees to their original beauty.

Tim Bradley – Certified Arborist