Nebraskans have seen their share of severe weather this year, and as a result many landscape plants have been damaged by high winds and hail.
Straight-line winds have pushed some trees over at an angle, breaking a portion of the roots on the windward side of the tree. Trees leaning from root breakage usually do not survive well. In some cases, trees were susceptible to wind damage because of previously damaged or poorly developed root systems. If a leaning tree does survive, it often becomes a hazard due to potential damage if it fell.
Mature trees rarely survive attempts to pull them back into place. Generally, these trees should be removed and replaced. Very young trees, planted less than four years, may survive if they are gently pulled back into a vertical position and staked. Avoid additional damage to the remaining roots and GENTLY press out any air spaces that may have formed in the loosened soil. Water the area of the root system twice each week, in the absence of rain through November.
Twisted and broken tree branches are another aspect of storm damage. Safety is the first consideration in removing branches from storm-damaged trees and a certified arborist should be contacted to remove large branches or to work in tall trees. All loose or hanging branches should be removed as soon as possible. Branches that are cracked, split or twisted should be removed next. Branch stubs left by storm damaged should be give a clean cut, using good technique so that stubs are eliminated but only branch wood is removed. This results in a smaller wound, allows the tree to seal the wound more effectively and minimizes the chance of entry by wood decay fungi into the trunk.
Trees split down the middle are very difficult to brace adequately, and should be removed by a professional arborist.
Minor hail damage, such as holes in the leaves of hosta or slight defoliation of trees and shrubs, has also occurred. Major damage includes the stripping of 50% or more of plant foliage, pocks or tears in tree bark with damage to the underlying xylem and phloem tissues, shearing of evergreen buds from branch terminals, death of evergreen buds due to impact damage, and broken tree or shrub branches.
In most cases, homeowners should take a “wait and see” attitude. Trees and shrubs should be kept well watered throughout summer and fall to avoid drought stress. Winter watering during warm periods when soil is not frozen is also recommended if winter conditions are dry. Keep plants well mulched to prevent secondary injury from mowers and string trimmers.
Secondary pests, such as borers and aphids, should be controlled to avoid additional stresses. Sphaeropsis tip blight can be a serious problem in Austian and Pondersosa pine trees the year following serious hail injury. Fungicide applications should be planned for next spring to keep infection to a minimum.
Do not fertilize trees and shrubs to "help them recover." Fertilizer is detrimental at this point. Never apply a wound dressing, pruning paint or “wrap” to any wounds, including hail wounds as this can interfere with the trees own response to closing the wound. Wait to begin pruning until after new growth begins, then prune away any dead or broken branches.
