Planting can help trees weather storms

Recent storms have really taken a toll and the storm season is just getting under way.

However, flooded streets aren’t all that must be considered.

Trees also suffer during storm season.

“We see homeowners who have trees that have root problems,” said Sarah Browning, educator for the Dodge County Extension Office. “They never develop as good a root system as they should and they get pushed over.”

She said often times trees can be leaning at a pretty good slant after a storm and there’s not much that can be done if it is an older tree. Some younger trees can be saved by staking and tying them, but planting them right is the best way to avoid storm damage.

“It all goes back to the initial planting,” Browning said. “You need to make sure it gets planted at the proper depth in the soil or they never develop a good root system.”

She said the other problem that can lead to storm damage is roots that grow in a circle and choke out the other roots.

“Usually we see them from plants that are in containers,” Browning said. “You have to work with the root system a little bit.”

Whether trees come in containers or burlap sacks, she said roots have to be cut and worked with before planting.

Digging holes for trees straight down in clay-based soil can also lead to root circling that will make the tree susceptible to being knocked over during storms.

“We tell people to dig with wide sloped sides and that prevents the circling,” Browning said.

Another problem that can manifest itself during storms is from trees that have been planted too deep in the soil.

“Shave away the soil at the top of the root ball and that should be right at the soil surface when you’re planting,” Browning said, adding that you should look for the top of the root ball being out of the soil. “If you look at a tree and the sides go straight into the ground, it’s not a good planting. The deeper you go in the soil, the less oxygen there is. Tree roots need to pull in oxygen to grow correctly.”

Choosing the right tree to begin with is important. She said nurseries can help homeowners with this.

“Plant selection becomes very important,” Browning said. “Choosing trees that are slow growing and have stronger wood, they tend to survive better in storms. Generally they’re not going to break. People want to buy quick growing trees, but that’s not always the best.”

Taking proper care of your trees also helps them in stormy weather.

“Trees do need to be pruned properly. When you’re selecting the major branches, you want to choose branches that have a wide angle at the trunk. When you’re pruning, you want to save those branches. A lot of homeowners have the feeling that they need to thin the canopy of the tree and that’s not true.”

Lightning injuries are another common problem with trees after storms.

“There isn’t a whole lot to prevent that,” Browning said. “Sometimes trees can survive a lighting strike. If it happens, contact a Nebraska certified arborist to find out what is the future for that tree.”