During the recent snowstorm that hit Northeastern Ohio, some trees and property owners suffered serious damage.
But not all.
Young tree training is the key to providing your trees the best chance at surviving a storm or heaving snowfall. When trees are young, the homeowner can do some of this training themselves. The focus should be on developing a strong central leader and getting rid of weak crotch angles.
As trees age, they typically require the attention of an arborist. The International Society of Arboriculture certify these individuals. It is recommended that you seek the help of an ISA certified arborist. You can search for one in your area by using the following link:https://www.isa-arbor.com/
If you don't hire a professional, you might end up with something like this:
I am reminded of the Fram Oil commercial “You can Pay me now or pay me later.” I’m dating myself!
If trees are left to their own devices, they can form very bad habits (and growth).
In a forest, trees tend to shade each other out and develop a strong canopy. Also, trees growing in a group tend to resist wind damage.
In the landscape, a tree typically gets all the sun, water and food it wants, and therefor overgrows itself. The result is competing leaders, weak crotch angles, and eventual loss of branches.
During the past weather event, the Norway Maples were almost entirely in leaf and suffered much of the damage.
But not all Norway Maples. This one was trained to have a central leader.
This Norway Maple was trained to have strong crotch angles with room to grow.
Also damaged were evergreens and flowering trees that were in full flower.
The lessons to be learned are as follows:
- Train trees when they are young.
- Hire a certified arborist to prune larger trees as they age.
- Remove trees that are a danger to property or people.
It could save your life and/or your home!