KATHY'S HOME AND GARDEN TIP - HOW TO SAVE YOUR TREES FROM STORM DAMAGE
The winter can be hard on your trees and shrubs, from snow and ice breaking branches to severe wind damage. Hopefully the snow is done for the year, but in Chicago you never know. Anytime there is heavy snow, gently bounce off the branches with the bristles of a broom from the underside. If there is an ice storm, do nothing. The ice will support the branches. You can do more harm than good trying to break the ice off.
If there is more severe damage you need to decide if the tree or bush is salvageable. If you are uncertain about the extent of damage it may be necessary to contact a certified arborist, especially if the tree or shrub is valuable.
If you can safely trim broken branches, do so. Make the cut at the nearest lateral branch, bud or main stem, not in the middle of a branch. Use a pole pruner for 3 inch diameter and smaller and a sharp saw for larger branches.
After doing the necessary trimming we need to wait till warmer weather to really nurse our arbors through the the recovery process. Regularly fertilize the soil to increase root health. Keep an eye out for bugs and other signs of illness. Trees that are damaged and under stress are more susceptible to these problems.
It's good to try and prevent damage before it occurs. Older trees can be supported with stakes and cables. Trim branches so they are not crowding each other out. Also, when it comes time to plant choose hardier oaks and maples which fare better through winter storms.
Don't forget to apply grass fertilizer. Choose a fertilizer with a pre-emergent crab grass preventer. Scott's Turfbuilder with Halts is a good one. This needs to go down soon, within the next 10 days.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM
