What a winter storm! The best word of advice I have for you as you work to clean up your landscape is patience.
The initial ice damage that we experienced at the beginning of the winter weather took out a lot of branches and limbs on trees and large shrubs. Before you pull out the chainsaw, take some time to assess the damage to your trees.
Did you lose major branches or the main leader branch? If many major branches are gone, the tree might not recover. Generally, a tree that loses more than 50% of the canopy will have a hard time recovering because it cannot produce enough foliage to nourish the tree through another season. If the tree lost the leader branch, the main upward growing branch on most trees, it could survive but might be deformed or stunted. Saving a tree that lost the leader branch is a personal judgement call.
If a tree has lost some branches but has enough remaining limbs to form a new branch structure, the new growth should be vigorous and able to support the tree. Be sure to provide plenty of water through the summer to support the new growth.
As you look through your trees that can be saved, you might consider the location of existing trees. Do you have potentially tall trees that are under power lines or hanging over buildings? If these trees had serious damage, you might consider removing them to prevent future problems.
If you have healthy trees with only minor damage, keep them! A healthy, mature tree can survive the loss of a major branch. Prune it back to the trunk with a clean cut and remember not to cut into the branch collar. Young, healthy trees can survive more damage if the leader branch remains intact. Prune off any damaged branches and maintain the tree to keep it healthy.
Healthy trees that have sustained more damage might be in the “wait and see” category. Prune off any broken branches but try not to prune too heavily. The tree will need remaining foliage to make energy as it tries to recover through the next season. A certified arborist can help you determine which branches might need to be removed.
Unfortunately, some trees might not be salvageable. If a tree has lost more than 50% of its canopy or has a split trunk, it should be removed. If you are unsure, contact an arborist who is certified in Tree Risk Assessment. They can determine if a tree or limbs need to be removed for the safety of building structures and people underneath it.
I hope you and your family made it through the winter storms safely. For more information about recovering from winter storms, visit https://texashelp.tamu.edu/ or contact the Williamson County AgriLife Extension Service at 512-943-3300.
