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Predicting
Tree Failure
The key to preventing damage is to predict circumstances
that could result in tree damage and take action to correct
potential problems before storms strike. Look at the form
of the tree, any decay that may be present (and the extent
of the decay, if present), maintenance practices involving
the tree, the presence of stem girdling roots, and existing
site problems. There may be other predictable situations
present, but these factors are the most common.
Inventory
By keeping track of trees on your property and their condition,
predicting storm failure is much easier. Create a list of
"key trees and key problems." Key trees would
be those that are most important to the property. Key problems
would be those that are most likely to damage or weaken
those key trees.
Monitor
Check key trees regularly. When minor damage occurs, correction
(such as pruning or wound "painting" on oaks during
oak wilt season) may prevent it from causing extensive damage
throughout the tree. If extensive damage has occurred, immediate
corrective action should be applied to prevent further damage.
Proper
Pruning
Pruning either corrects problems or creates them. If pruning
is done improperly, it can create places for decay to enter
and the wound will only increase in extent. Done correctly,
pruning wounds should close over naturally, keeping decay
from starting and expanding in the wound area. A general
rule for pruning wounds: the smaller, the better.
Least
Resistant Species
| ash |
loblolly
pine |
slash
pine |
| baldcypress |
longleaf
pine |
southern
red oak |
| basswood |
magnolia |
sugar
maple |
| beech |
magnolia |
sweetgum |
| blackgum |
oxelder |
sycamore |
| cherry |
red
cedar |
water
oak |
| dogwood |
red
maple |
white
oak |
| hickory |
red
maple |
yellow
poplar |
| live
oak |
silver
maple |
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