***Editor's note: Photographs of blizzard damaged trees are available by contacting Aaron Kiesz (1-800-228-5254, aaron.kiesz@state.sd.us)***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 9, 2005
Contact:  Aaron Kiesz at 1-800-228-5254

Ice Damaged Trees

(Pierre, SD)---It’s hard to picture the damage that ice, strong wind and heavy snow can cause to trees until you have experienced it yourself. Recent freezing rain and strong winds have caused major problems with trees around eastern South Dakota, especially in our communities. 

“When a tree species is improperly pruned, it runs the risk of severe damage during events like the recent ice and wind storm,” says Aaron Kiesz, State Urban Forestry Coordinator for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. “Many of the trees that failed during the storm failed because of multiple leaders, poor branching structure, and bad pruning cuts such as ‘topping’ cuts.  Topping, or cutting the top of a tree off, is extremely damaging and is strongly discouraged.”  

Kiesz notes, “Some homeowners plant fast growing trees such as ash, maples, birches, and poplars.  These trees have brittle wood and develop weak, V-shaped crotches that easily split apart under added weight.”  He mentions that trees often can incur severe damage because of internal rot and decay that is not evident from the exterior.

For homeowners that have trees damaged by ice and wind storms, two questions must be asked. First, does the condition of the tree justify efforts to save it, or should it be removed? Trees with extensive damage can be very expensive to repair and should only be attempted if there is a significant portion of the tree still intact. 

Second, can you handle the pruning and removal yourself, or should you seek professional help? Small branches and limbs, if broken, should be removed to the next major limb or back to the trunk. Contacting a professional arborist may be necessary with larger limbs and hanging branches. If you need to hire a professional, make sure they carry proper liability and workmen’s compensation insurance before allowing them to start the job.

To evaluate the extent of damage to your trees, contact a professional arborist or your state service forester (http://www.state.sd.us/doa/forestry/division_organization/officelocations.htm).  For further assistance, contact Aaron Kiesz at 1-800-228-5254, aaron.kiesz@state.sd.us or visit our website at www.state.sd.us/doa/forestry 

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