Tips & Tricks

Winters in West Richland can be hit or miss. This year along, we’ve seen temperatures in December ranging from the low 50 degrees to the high teens. In the seasons we have the bitter cold temps coupled with snow, you’ll want to understand how these temperatures can affect trees and potential damage from ice.

Be sure to use the proper tools for pruning. Use chainsaws only to remove the larger portion of storm-damaged limbs. Use smaller pruning tools that are more easily controlled e.g., hand saws, pruning poles, etc. If branches are beyond your reach, use a pole saw or ladder. Keep pruning tools clean and sharp. Diseases can be spread by tools after you cut an infected plant.

To sterilize pruning tools, clean them in a mixture of one part household bleach to 10-parts water. The key to tree recovery is proper branch stub pruning. Branches which have been pruned correctly will form a large callus to seal the wound. If removing branches, do not cut into the collar that has formed at the base of the branch.

The collar is the raised ring of protective tissue circling the branch and acts as a barrier to further decay. Trimming above the branch collar will result in a wound that closes quickly and completely. Try not to leave a long broken stub as this will prevent the wound from healing quickly and will encourage fungus and insects. Do not prune flush to the main stem as this creates a large hole that will be slow to heal. Cut larger branches using a three-step method (see Figure 2) so the weight of the branch will not cause it to break and tear the bark below the limb. If the job looks too large or dangerous, hire a professional. If the top of the tree was damaged, make repairs by cutting the stem at about a 45-degree angle below the break and just above the first live branch. This will prevent water from entering or pooling in the affected area.

Many hardwoods are specially equipped to recover from damage to the crown. Species like poplar, silver maple and elm often develop epicormic branches in response to lost or damaged branches. Not all species are equally successful at producing these branches. Do not cover wounds with prepared compounds. Trees have their own protection mechanisms that will effectively seal the wound.

When you’re looking for tree maintenance and tree care in West Richland, we should be your first choice. We are some of the only certified arborists in town and we are very good at what we do. Let us explain to you why we’re your best bet to take care of your trees.

Winters in Pasco can be hit or miss. This year along, we’ve seen temperatures in December ranging from the low 50 degrees to the high teens. In the seasons we have the bitter cold temps couple with snow, you’ll want to understand how these temperatures can affect trees and potential damage from ice.

Protect yourself — always get estimates from at least three contractors. Insist on invoices for the work done and keep your receipts. To contact the experts, go to our Contact Page.

Ice Coated Trees
Some trees will continue to be ice covered or frozen into the snow crust after the storm. Generally, it is advised not to remove the ice and snow, although each tree is different. It is often best to allow the tree to thaw before attempting to straighten it. For some conifers, such as pine, attempting to release a frozen top could cause more damage. Do not attempt to remove ice by striking the branches with a blunt object. Trees are fairly brittle in the winter and with the added rigidity of the ice, you will break more branches than you will save. Be patient, over time the tree may straighten.

Pruning Properly
Pruning can be done anytime with a few exceptions. Elms should never be pruned during the growing season as open wounds attract the elm bark beetle that spreads Dutch Elm Disease. Avoid pruning hardwoods in the spring as sap flows will attract insects. Hardwoods that flower in early spring should be pruned after flowering to ensure that flowers will bloom next spring. Conifers can be pruned at any time, but pruning during the dormant season will minimize sap and resin flow.

When you’re looking for tree maintenance and tree care in Pasco, we should be your first choice. We are some of the only certified arborists in town and we are very good at what we do. Let us explain to you why we’re your best bet to take care of your trees.

Winters in Kennewick can be hit or miss. This year along, we’ve seen temperatures in December ranging from the low 50 degrees to the high teens. In the seasons we have the bitter cold temps couple with snow, you’ll want to understand how these temperatures can affect trees and potential damage from ice.

Most trees can be saved with appropriate treatment. There is no need to rush out and remove trees that do not pose a safety hazard in the short-term. It is wise to wait until the growing season before deciding to take down damaged trees.

The first thing to do is assess your trees. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do broken limbs pose any danger?
• What species is the tree?
• How healthy was the tree before the storm?
• How much of the crown has been lost?
• Is the trunk broken?
• Can a branch in the upper canopy become a leader?
• Is the tree of any value to wildlife?

Make your assessment of the tree and then decide on the appropriate action. If you are making decisions for shade trees around your home, you will want to do all you can to save each tree; however, if you are making decisions for your woodlot, a thorough assessment is required.

Realistically, you won’t be able to properly prune each injury on each tree. Deciding which tree stays and which tree should be cut can be a difficult decision and depends on your woodlot objectives, the extent of the damage, safety issues and current market values. Landowners should seek professional help for an assessment of the damage to their woodlots and recommendations for remedial action.

When you’re looking for tree maintenance and tree care in Kennewick, we should be your first choice. We are some of the only certified arborists in town and we are very good at what we do. Let us explain to you why we’re your best bet to take care of your trees.