Prevent Storm Damage To Trees
URBANA – With frequent summer thunderstorms, we should be diligent in scouting for tree issues that could become a larger problem. Proper preventative care can greatly increase a tree’s longevity. Important first steps Preparing a tree for weather-related disasters happens before the tree ever goes in the ground by making wise site and species selections, says Sarah Vogel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. A tree in an unsuitable site can be costly to remove, or worse, cause damage to persons or property. Consider all site conditions. Consider genetic characteristics of the tree. Ensure the species isn’t an aggressive non-native. Use proper planting techniques to improve chance of survival. Planting trees too deeply is a major problem in landscapes, and symptoms from being planted even 1 inch too deep can take years to become evident. Properly prune a young tree to be structurally sound. This mitigates chances of a mature tree failure