A Living Time Capsule, Part Two
As we are discovering, our trees are living time capsules with each ring recording information about the temperature, moisture, and even natural disasters occurring in a given year. Root Tree Service wants to inform and inspire you to ensure that your trees are recording positive things about your nurturing care! In Time Capsule Part One, we discussed what to do to combat extreme temperatures and moisture issues. We shared how to protect your vulnerable trees from winter sunscald, and when to water during the hot summers and our cold winters. Today we’re going to explore how to protect, or repair, your trees after natural disasters. In Part Three, we will discuss what to do if a tree, or stump, needs to be removed.
A tree may be capable of repairing itself after experiencing a natural disaster such as a fire, being struck by lightning, or even being partially uprooted in a flood. If there is no imminent danger, you do not need to automatically cut down your tree. Root Tree Service would be more than happy to have one of our tree specialists assess your damaged tree or trees.
After a fire, it is wise to ensure that the water is actually able to penetrate the soil around your trees. After a low and slow watering for about 20 minutes, dig down into the soil and see how far the moisture has been able to reach. If leaves or needles, or bark, were burned off your tree, it may be prudent to protect your tree from the possibility of sunburn until it has healed. You can wrap your tree trunk and key limbs in tree wrap or light cloth such as burlap. Do not use dark cloth as it will absorb the heat and be counter-productive.
Tree care after flooding is important because flooding reduces the oxygen level that is available to your root system. This can cause roots to die, or allow the growth of molds that can damage or destroy the root system. Either occurrence makes it hard for trees to absorb needed nutrients. After flooding, remove excess soil, mulch, or any waste that may have started collecting near the base of your tree. Assess the situation to see if there is a way for you to facilitate more rapid drainage, especially around younger trees. Stay aware of the possibility of your tree becoming uprooted as well, as this could impact the people and other trees around you.
It is important to fight against pests, not only for the sake of your trees, but also for the surrounding trees. There are insects in Colorado that can destroy a tree in as little as a year, and the new generation that springs from the dying tree can begin to destroy others nearby. Root Tree Service is always ready to assess or treat your trees for pests, especially the Emerald Ash Borer or the Mountain Pine Beetle.
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Natural Disasters
A tree may be capable of repairing itself after experiencing a natural disaster such as a fire, being struck by lightning, or even being partially uprooted in a flood. If there is no imminent danger, you do not need to automatically cut down your tree. Root Tree Service would be more than happy to have one of our tree specialists assess your damaged tree or trees.
Fire
After a fire, it is wise to ensure that the water is actually able to penetrate the soil around your trees. After a low and slow watering for about 20 minutes, dig down into the soil and see how far the moisture has been able to reach. If leaves or needles, or bark, were burned off your tree, it may be prudent to protect your tree from the possibility of sunburn until it has healed. You can wrap your tree trunk and key limbs in tree wrap or light cloth such as burlap. Do not use dark cloth as it will absorb the heat and be counter-productive.
Flood
Tree care after flooding is important because flooding reduces the oxygen level that is available to your root system. This can cause roots to die, or allow the growth of molds that can damage or destroy the root system. Either occurrence makes it hard for trees to absorb needed nutrients. After flooding, remove excess soil, mulch, or any waste that may have started collecting near the base of your tree. Assess the situation to see if there is a way for you to facilitate more rapid drainage, especially around younger trees. Stay aware of the possibility of your tree becoming uprooted as well, as this could impact the people and other trees around you.
Pests
It is important to fight against pests, not only for the sake of your trees, but also for the surrounding trees. There are insects in Colorado that can destroy a tree in as little as a year, and the new generation that springs from the dying tree can begin to destroy others nearby. Root Tree Service is always ready to assess or treat your trees for pests, especially the Emerald Ash Borer or the Mountain Pine Beetle.