Storm-Damaged Trees: What We Can Expect to See This Spring

We all recall when the hit. It was certainly one for the record books. 

We were stuck in our neighborhood for four days. Our family was without power for 11 days. One thing we didn't lose? Our land line.

Being without power was tough enough. Owning a niche arborist business on top of that? Our days were spent making lists, trying to return calls, attempting to make some sort of sense out of all the information flooding in and physically working. Looking back on all of that now, we wonder how we ever made it through. Thank goodness for the out-of-state storm chaser tree company that offered daily comedic relief. 

Speaking of these out-of-staters, our trees mostly suffered from their quick work.  We drive around the valley and see terrible remains, things like stub cuts, tears, and splits just left on the trunks and in the branches. This is in part due to the suspension of the CT Arborist Law in the state while clean-up efforts were taken.  It is also partly due to the fact that a lot of our species of trees were new to these people. Some of this is even a result of these workers not even knowing what they were doing and just looking to earn a quick buck. 

So what can we expect to see from our trees this spring?  Here is just a short list: 

• Massive amounts of water sprouts, also known as sucker growth. These are the little branches that appear in response to the tree being harmed. It is the tree's way of getting leaves to grow so they can eat. Suckers typically grow at an extremely fast rate. The wood is not strong, since it has grown so quickly, and therefore is more apt to develop fungal and insect issues.  The typical rate of healthy new growth on a tree branch is 4-6 inches a year.  These suckers grow about 4-6 feet a year. That's fast!

• Stub cut issues.  Stub cuts are parts of branches that have been left on the tree and not pruned close enough to the trunk or other branch. While the results of these terrible cuts won't be evident this spring, the long term effects can be life-threatening to your tree. Improper cuts or prunes to trees can leave the tree susceptible to insect and disease threats.  We won't bore you with how a tree heals, but know that when branches are not pruned closely enough to the trunk or nearest branch, it takes a long time for the tree to section off and heal that big piece of wood left behind. This makes the tree weaker and not as capable in defending itself against Mother Nature's threats.

• Even more branch failure. Look, we all like to think we are perfect. Sadly, that is not the case. There will be some split branches that were inadvertently overlooked when the tree was being pruned. When the tree starts to leaf out in the late spring, the weight of the leaves could very well cause that already split branch to fail and come tumbling down. 

• High-maintenance. Because of all the sucker growth and improper cuts, you can expect your trees to require a bit more maintenance this spring.  Removal of sucker growth is important. The wood is just not strong. It will fail. It is best to remove it. Trees will need to be more closely monitored for early signs of failure.  Insects and diseases can wreak havoc.  While most issues can be handled with sprays or medicines, prevention is always best.  When pruned properly, trees can handle most anything thrown at them.   

We like to encourage people to "Look Up."  What is going on in your trees? Do you have improper prunes? Do you see newly fallen branches?  Our best recommendation is to call an Arborist. Arborists are specially trained and certified by the State of Connecticut to deal with tree and woody vegetation plant issues.  Most will walk around your property with you for free and educate you on what you should do.  And then, they can usually save your prized species.