Tree – Snow Damage Newsletter

Dirt Doctor Newsletter
Tree Damage – Cleaning up the Mess

Most common questions about the snow damage to trees:

• How much to prune?

  Answer:

  No more than necessary – there is no rush in most cases.

• Can I do the work myself?
  Answer: Minor work, yes. Large limbs, especially those still connected to the tree can be very dangerous. It’s best to bring in the professionals.
• Pruning paint/wound dressing?
  Answer: No – the damage heals faster and better if left exposed to the air. Tree Trunk Goop is the exception because it helps the wounds and weathers off quickly. Tree Trunk Goop – here’s how to make it or purchase it.
• Firewood – will it spread disease?
  Answer: In general, no problem. Oak wilt diseased red oaks are the exception.
  Click this link for details: Oak Wilt
• Pruning in the future?
  Answer: Annual thinning of trees may actually cause damage. Minimal, careful pruning that maintains the natural character of the tree is almost always the best.

Your damaged trees will fair better if you apply the entire Sick Tree Treatment right away.

These big hanging limbs can be dangerous for the homeowner to try to fix. If you cut these hanging limbs off, they might fly right in you face. Hire an arborist.

On a related issue, here’s why I normally don’t recommend multitrunked trees. They tend to fall apart at some point, especially when loaded with ice, snow or wind.