Brookfield, Wis. – The end of winter has revealed widespread tree damage locally, with branches broken and trunks fractured throughout many neighborhoods.
Yet, homeowners should think twice before cutting limbs from damaged trees or taking the trees down entirely, according to a landscape company owner. With a little help, many trees can heal themselves from what appear to be grievous wounds. Letting nature work can save valuable foliage and avoid homeowners the cost of replacement trees.
“Trees have amazing recuperative powers,” said Todd Ruedt, owner of Grounds Maintenance Services, Brookfield. “Before putting a pruning saw or shears to work, homeowners should consider whether they could save these mature trees that add such character and value to their yards.”
Damage to foliage, even splintered limbs or trunks, often looks worse than it is. Given time, many trees can recover from injuries wrought by heavy snow and harsh winds.
“Trees can heal in as little as three months given proper care and, if needed, bracing or support mechanisms,” Ruedt said. “Larger-scale damage can require a full growing season to recuperate.”
Tree or shrub branches that are broken less than halfway through can usually be taped or tied and will heal over time, Ruedt said. Damaged trunks can be staked for support and, depending on size, might need a bolt installed to re-establish their structure and strength. Ropes or cables are sometimes employed for additional support.
The species of a tree affects its chances of recovery, Ruedt said. Most maples, willows, pines, juniper, arbor vitae and shrubs are repairable. Many hardwoods such as oaks, hickory or locust are not as fortunate.
“Most people’s natural reaction when they see a damaged tree is to prune the injured area, but that isn’t always in the tree’s best interests,” Ruedt said. “Nature is a wonderful healer, and sometimes it just needs a helping hand to work its magic and allow a tree to recover.”
The heavy, moisture-laden snow that marked the recently-departed winter is especially hard on landscapes, Ruedt said. The long duration of the winter’s snow cover might have contributed to plant damage by small animals, which eat more in urban landscapes when food is scarce in their native wooded areas.
CONTACT: Todd Ruedt, Grounds Maintenance Services
(262) 784-8219
