Ice-Covered Trees Hide Hazards Beyond the Obvious

As roads are cleared and power is restored throughout regions damaged by recent winter storms, homeowners and clean-up crews need to remember to be extremely careful when working around damaged and ice-covered trees, cautions the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

"What's fallen to the ground is just part of the overall danger associated with storm-damaged trees," says Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director. "A major storm can do massive damage high in the treetops, posing extreme danger to people for weeks and months to come."

According to Skiera, potential hazards and tree problems are not always obvious to the untrained eye. Ice-damaged tree limbs can split or break in the treetops, and branches of all sizes can come crashing down at any time - especially during high winds. That's why trees should be checked from the bottom up, preferably by a Certified Arborist, to determine the full extent of storm damage.

"Paying attention to the treetops now can prevent further damage and greater property loss later on," Skiera says. "Ice damage can put major stress on a tree, and that stress can require pruning or additional support such as cables or braces."

Tips for clean-up crews and homeowners:

Leave dangerous work such as pruning or removing trees, especially large ones, to professionals who are trained in the art and science of caring for and maintaining trees. Certified Arborists are tree care professionals who have achieved a level of knowledge and experience allowing them to pass a comprehensive exam, and they are equipped to do the job safely.
Locate a Certified Arborist in your area by checking the Yellow Pages, or visiting the ISA website at www.treesaregood.org
Ask any tree care company or Certified Arborist for proof of insurance before hiring them to do work on your trees. A reputable company will have personal and property damage insurance, as well as workers' compensation coverage.
Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for doing tree work. Most reputable companies are far too busy to solicit work this way. Shoddy workmanship can do even more damage to your trees.
Say, "no, thanks" to anyone claiming to be a tree professional who offers to 'top' your tree, then look for someone else. Topping trees does more harm than good, increasing the tree's recovery time and making the tree more dangerous. For details on why topping hurts, visit www.treesaregood.org.

To see how we can help you safely prune and care for your trees, please contact one of our certified arborists at the Johnson Tree Company: treepilot@johnsontree.com or 605-342-0555.