Restoration of storm damaged trees

Summary

When urban trees are injured in severe storm events, they often respond to this damage by sprouting new branches, often from latent buds. Sprouts replace the branches and foliage lost when the tree was damaged, and may also assist in reducing the spread of discoloration and decay following injury. Although it is believed that at least some sprouts are weaker than normal branches, little empirical evidence exists to support this. Many of the surviving shade trees will require restoration pruning that incorporates sprouting branches as part of the new crown. Arborists have few research-based guidelines on how to craft strong trees from storm-damaged sprouting crowns. Many sprouts originate from ends of damaged branches or heading cuts or grow upright from horizontal limbs, and are necessary for damaged trees to begin restoration. Understanding the strength of attachment of these sprouts  is essential to elevate our current understanding of restoration pruning. This presentation will cover current recommendations for the care of storm damaged trees, with a focus on crown restoration treatments. Recently completed and ongoing research investigating crown restoration treatments, with support from the TREE Fund, will also be presented.