Trees Bear Watching for Ice Storm

First posted on 02-02-2010

Trees may pose additional dangers with the coming of an ice- and snow-laden winter storm because of saturated ground, said Tamara Walkingstick, associate director of the Arkansas Forest Research Center and an extension forester for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Much of Arkansas has seen an overabundance of rainfall since spring 2009,” she said. “That means the ground is soft, making it easier for wind and ice pressure to fell trees.”

Hazard tree inspections offer the best protection against future storm damage, Walkingstick said.

“Systematic inspections and assessments allow you to find and correct damaged or defective trees,” she said. “Sound trees can withstand stronger winds than defective trees, so during storms the likelihood of tree failure is reduced.”

Certain rapidly growing tree species are more vulnerable to tree damage during storms. They include:

- Chinese elm
- Silver maple
- Sycamore
- Boxelder
- Bradford pear
- Poplars
- River birches

“Homeowners should be aware of these characteristics and avoid planting such species close to buildings, utility lines, fences or anywhere potential damage could occur,” she said. “If such trees are already growing in these locations, some preventive practices, such as pruning and bracing, or cabling, may help reduce the potential of storm damage.

“This is particularly true as the tree grows in size and the weight and surface of the leaf and branch area increases,” she said.

For more information on what to do after an ice storm, visit http://www.arnatural.org/forestry/Ice_Damage/picking_up_after_the_storm.htm or contact your county extension office.