Dave Epstein: Hi! Dave Epstein with Growing Wisdom, we are here today with Dave Ropes, a tree specialist. And Dave a lot of damage because of the ice storm, not only here in Massachusetts, but many part of the country experiencing tree damage from ice storm, why so much damage?
Dave Ropes: As the ice loaded up on individual trees, there are structural deformities to growth patterns that set a stage for type of failure. Might be just a branch or some cases a whole stem splitting. And really, every failure can be traced back to some structural aspect of the tree.
Dave Epstein: So there are different ways in which trees tend to have their branches broken, right?
Dave Ropes: Yeah, and in also vary in species. White pine is a very soft wooded tree, with a lot of surface area and evergreen foliage. So with the pine what we see is lot of individual limbs snapping off and then ending up, you know, in a big heap in the ground. Some of the other deciduous trees that might have co-dominant stems in them, where two stems come together, one portion of that might peel out. In some cases, whole trees can topple over with the weight of the ice.
Dave Epstein: Dave, how do I know as a homeowner whether I should have the entire tree taken out or whether I just need a specialize trimming to keep the tree healthy?
Dave Ropes: Well you should consult a certified arborist because they are trained in identifying structural defects in trees and making that determination. But in general, I’m trying to caution people about rushing in and cutting trees down just because they might have minor damage. Coz many of the trees that were damaged can be saved. For example, if the tree has had the whole stem break right over, pretty clearly there isn’t anything left to save, so this tree should be cut down. In other cases, it just a minor portion or one of many tops that might have broken, as long as there is enough remaining canopy to prune back to the tree should have a good chance of survival.
Dave Epstein: And what about those pines where you do get pines and all littered down at the ground, what do you up there with those branches that came off?
Dave Ropes: Well essentially we try and we make clean pruning cuts back to something that alive and green, and pines will sprout out again.
Dave Epstein: So seems like bottom line, consult an arborist, because you may be able to save some trees with you otherwise thought you might have to take out completely. And Dave you and I are talking, you know some small branches, people can do that themselves, but with a big tree, you’ve got to be real careful.
Dave Epstein: It’s extremely dangerous work. So, you know, yes, use a professional.
Thank you very much Dave, and we want you to come back for all of our videos here at GrowingWisdom
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