News : ISU Extension offers Resources for Managing Tree Damage

Many area residents are facing choices about how to handle a variety of storm damage to trees.

As cleanup of the July 11 wind storm continues, city officials and homeowners are now faced with decisions about storm damaged trees. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has publications to help determine next steps, says Linda Fischer, Regional Extension Education Director.

After hazards are eliminated and ground debris has been cleared, trees need to be assessed individually to determine whether further treatment is required. The effect of storm damage on the survival, longevity, appearance, and function of each tree must be judged. This impact assessment in not an easy task; in many cases, it simply will be a judgment call. However, the safety and protection of people and property should be the most important considerations.

More detailed information can be found in the Managing Storm Damaged Trees (SUL 0006) publication, available through your county extension office or via the ISU Extension Online Store: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store.

When the decision is too difficult to determine, it may be best to consult with a professional arborist. It is recommended to look at professional affiliations and certifications of the arborist. Another ISU Extension publication, Choosing and Arborist (RG 0214), is available through your county extension office or can be obtained online through the ISU Extension Online Store.

In addition to printed resources and the disaster recovery website, www.extension.iastate.edu/topic/recovering-disasters, ISU Extension is planning to provide some educational programming on managing storm damaged trees later this fall. For more information, contact your local county extension office.

Greg Walston

Benton County Program Director
Iowa State University Extension

501 1st Ave.

Vinton IA 52349

Phone 319-472-4739

Fax 319-472-5601

gwalston@iastate.edu