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Educational Sessions

Arboriculture Research and Education Academy (AREA)

Ice Storms and Trees: Characteristics that Affect Susceptibility to Ice Storm Damage
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
9:30 AM — 10:00 AM
Osceola 1, 2, 3
A, U, T, M, L, Bs
Ice storms are a fairly common occurrence throughout much of the eastern United States. These storms cause significant damage to trees in natural and urban settings. Understanding ice build-up patterns on branches will help us to better recognize branching traits and patterns that predispose trees to risk of failure during ice storms. An improved ability to recognize these characteristics may help guide pruning recommendations for branches at an increased risk of failure in areas that are prone to ice storms. This presentation will give a brief overview of the literature on ice storm damage to trees, as well as present findings from recent research where trees were subjected to simulated freezing rain and parameters that caused branch failure were quantified. Practical implications for tree care professionals in ice-damage prone areas will also be discussed.

Presenter Information

    • Jason Miesbauer
      Jason "Jake" Miesbauer is an Arboriculture Researcher at The Morton Arboretum. His research focuses on factors that predispose trees to storm damage and cultural practices to reduce susceptibility to storm damage. Jake earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida and his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, majoring in Urban Forestry and Business Administration. Jake is an ISA Certified Arborist with several years’ experience in the tree care industry as a practicing arborist. He actively engages in outreach to the tree care industry and has presented on topics that include: tree biomechanics, restoration of storm damaged trees, proper tree pruning methods, tree planting and stabilization, and safety in arboriculture