Raleigh – Snow, ice and freezing rain can severely impact trees and forested areas across the state.
The N.C. Forest Service urges property owners and anyone preparing for or cleaning up after a storm to be cautious and to always think safety first.
"I want to urge everyone to be extra cautious, especially if you intend to be out preparing trees for a winter storm or cleaning up afterwards,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As always, resources are available to landowners for assistance with any concerns about your woodlands.
"Contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger or a consulting forester for questions about managing damaged trees and timber.”
If you are a property owner preparing for a winter storm or cleaning up after one, here are some helpful tips and guidelines:
Before the Storm
• Prevention is key. Properly pruned trees with strong branch attachments will hold up better in an ice storm.
• Prune branches with weak attachments, co-dominant trunks and other defects. Hire a qualified arborist to ensure trees are pruned properly. Look for tree service companies with a certified arborist on staff and/or Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation.
• Do not top your tree. Topped trees will quickly regrow new branches which are weakly attached and more likely to break during storms.
During the Storm
• Safety first! Stay indoors in a safe place. Your safety is most important.
• Do not attempt to knock ice or snow from branches. This will likely cause the branch to break, possibly injuring you. Branches are designed to bend and stretch. Quick shocks or instant bends will cause them to break more easily rather than bending slowly.
• Do not spray water on a tree, attempting to melt ice or snow, as it will likely add more weight to the tree.
• Do not try to prop up bending or sagging limbs.
• Do not touch limbs that may be in contact with power lines.
After the Storm
* Wait until ice or snow has melted before cleaning up.
* Cleaning up downed debris presents many safety risks. First, assess safety conditions of your family, home and neighborhood. There may be a debris field, making for poor footing. There may be potential for downed power lines. If electrical wires are an issue, do not attempt tree work. Contact your utility company and let them remove the electrical wires.
* Only attempt to clean up minor tree debris.
* Operating a chainsaw on storm-damaged trees is dangerous. Historically, more people are injured by chainsaws than the storm that caused the tree damage. Never operate a chainsaw alone and always operate a chainsaw in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Work only on the ground, and always wear personal protective equipment such as a hard hat, a full-face shield or safety goggles, and hearing protection. Be aware of cutting any branches under tension or pressure.
* Avoid leaving broken limbs on your tree. All broken or torn parts of the tree should be properly pruned. A proper pruning cut will promote sealing of the wound and reduce further threat of decay or excessive sprouting.
* Hire an arborist with experience in storm restoration pruning.
* Consider hiring an arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification to fully evaluate the condition of your tree(s) after a damaging storm.
Choose a qualified and insured tree service or consulting arborist. To find qualified arborists in your area, visit treesaregood.com, asca-consultants.org, or the treecareindustry.org.
For more information and advice on proper tree care and tree assessment following a storm, visit ncforestservice.gov/Managing_your_forest/damage_recovery.htm. Additional advice on proper tree care can be found at ncforestservice.gov/Urban/Urban_Forestry.htm or by calling (919) 857-4842.
In Graham County, the ranger is Frank Cline. He can be reached at (828) 479-6341.