Released: January 26, 2004

Let Tree Ice Melt Naturally, Assess Damaged Trees’ Structure, Watch Out for Con ‘Arborists’

Let Tree Ice Melt Naturally

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Trees and shrubs face a test of strength when ice – particularly ice combined with wind – weighs down limbs.

“For the plants, however, the best thing you can do is just wait to see what happens,” said Charles Barden, forester with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

Plant owners can carefully brush away snow from over-laden branches, he said. But trying to knock off ice is just asking for more broken branches.

“The ice and limbs both will be brittle,” Barden said, “which is part of why attempting to use water to melt the ice can be just as damaging. You should just let the ice melt naturally.”

Assess Damaged Trees’ Structure

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Ice-storm damaged trees can look ruined, but still manage to recover nicely. The make-or-break factor is whether the damage has harmed the tree’s basic structure.

“When you’re out picking up branches, look at the tree’s shape. If you see a widow-maker – a big branch just waiting to fall – get out of there and call an arborist. Otherwise, check to see what’s happened,” advised Charles Barden, forester with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

A tree may not be salvageable, he said, if (1) the trunk has split, (2) heavily split bark is exposing the trunk’s underlayers, or (3) more than half of the tree’s crown is gone.

“Just remember that even lightly damaged trees will need time to recover,” Barden said. “And the bigger the tree, the more likely you are to need a certified arborist to help you remove or prune a damaged tree safely.”

Watch Out for Con ‘Arborists’

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Ice storms can bring con artists out into the cold weather, offering to cut and remove damaged tree limbs.

“People are impatient to get things back to normal, but they could lose both money and tree if they fall for such door-to-door tactics,” said Charles Barden, forester with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

He recommends dealing only with a reputable tree care service and asking for a certified arborist.

“Be particularly wary if someone asks you to pay in advance,” Barden said. “Reputable companies will bill or collect only after the work is completed and you can see that it’s satisfactory.”

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Kathleen Ward, Communications Specialist
kward@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News