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Contact: Robert Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist
Headquartered in Webster County
Tel: (417) 859-2044
E-mail: schultheisr@missouri.edu

Strong winds from the recent tornados in southwest Missouri have uprooted trees and left homeowners faced with the task of repairing the damage or removing the trees.

For some smaller trees (25 feet or less in height), it may be possible to straighten the tree and brace it using guy wires or cables.

"Some type of power lift or equipment is usually needed to pull the tree upright. I do not recommend attempting this procedure unless at least one-third of the tree's roots are still in the soil and the remaining exposed roots are compact and undisturbed," said Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Before the tree is pulled upright, remove some soil from beneath the root mass so the roots will be placed below the existing soil grade level. Once the tree is back in an upright position, fill in soil as needed. Water the tree to help firm the soil and remove air pockets.

"At this point, attach two or three guy lines to the trunk like you would with a newly-planted tree. Those lines should be placed at a point two-thirds of the height of the tree and to anchors placed 12 to 15 feet from the base of the tree, in order to hold the tree in place. Turnbuckles can be used to tighten these wires," said Schultheis.

Most large trees cannot be saved and must be removed. This usually requires using a chain saw to cut up the tree into manageable pieces. Schultheis recommends two extension safety publications for occasional or inexperienced chain saw users: MU Guide G1959, "Basic Chain Saw Safety and Use," and MU Guide G1958, "Felling, Bucking and Limbing Trees."

For more information or publications on disaster related topics dealing with issues important to the home, family or farm, contact the University of Missouri Extension Center nearest you, visit extension's diaster information online at http://outreach.missouri.edu or go online to http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore to search available extension guide sheets.

Contact: Tim Schnakenberg, agriculture and rural development specialist
Headquartered in Stone County
Tel: (417) 357-6812
E-mail: schnakenbergc@missouri.edu

The deadly storms that recently came through southwest Missouri left many trees with broken branches and wounds.

Repair may be in order to keep these trees healthy and less susceptible to disease and insects according to Tim Schnakenberg, agriculture and rural development specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

"Most of the wounds on these trees will be from limbs that broke and splintered as they fell. The broken limbs high in the trees may require professional help but the lower limbs that are more accessible will require care to prune off splintered stubs," said Schnakenberg.

If a large portion of the limb is still attached to a main branch or trunk, cutting that heavy limb away a foot or two from the crotch will insure that no major splintering occurs when the limb falls.

Schnakenberg recommends making a shallow cut on the underside of the limb a foot or two from the trunk to keep the bark from tearing when it falls, then cut it off on the top side 2 to 3 inches beyond the undercut. The stub that is left should be cut flush and as close to the main branch or trunk as possible.

"Be very aware of overhead power utility lines. If the branches are touching these lines, call your utility company. They can address the problem after full service in the area has been restored and cleanup is complete," said Schnakenberg.

Tree wounds less than one inch in diameter will heal quick enough to warrant no additional treatment. Larger wounds can be treated with a tree wound dressing or pruning paint to protect the tree while healing and prevent the formation of a cavity.

Research has shown that these applications probably do not increase the rate of healing but may prevent drying out and provide some cosmetic effects.

If damaged trees are not repaired, or if they have been repaired improperly, a cavity may develop which could shorten the life of the tree.

"When pruning a damaged tree, be sure it is cut flush so there is no way for water to stand in an open pocket of the tree. If a large cavity exists, it may require flashing or tin to keep rain from filling the cavity with water," said Schnakenberg.

Contact: Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist
Tel: (417) 862-9284
E-mail: mooreg@missouri.edu

The services of an arborist may be required if a tree is in need of pruning, fertilizing, weather-related damage assessment or other problem diagnosis.

Finding the correct professional to do the job is important for the best service and tree care according to Gaylord Moore, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist headquartered in Greene County.

What are some tips for selecting a professional to consult and perform work on trees?
· Check the yellow pages under tree service and look for certified arborists.
· Ask for local references of jobs the company or individual has done.
· Have more than one certified arborist look at a job and give estimates.
· Price may be important, but reputable arborists have made large investments in equipment and training. The arborist's skill and professionalism may be more important than a low bid.

Moore also has advice for those who want to do the work themselves. "If the tree is large, my advice is that you don't do it yourself," said Moore. "And if you are pruning young or smaller trees, be sure you understand basic pruning guidelines and principles, like where and when to cut, before you begin."

If you need additional gardening and horticultural advice please contact the Master Gardener Hotline at (417) 862-9284. Several volunteers from the Master Gardener Program - a volunteer community-service organization - staff the hotline at the Greene County Extension Center.