Cleanup continues around Iowa of the many trees that suffered broken limbs in the two recent winter ice and snow storms. The chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Bureau, John Walkowiak, says you should examine your trees as you cut up the downed limbs. He says you need to take a close look now that the snow and ice is off the trees.
Walkowiak says the limbs that were bent should be moving back into position or there may be some damage to the larger limbs. Walkowiak says it’s important to take action now to avoid future damage. He says cracks and other things need to be taken care of to avoid problems in wind storms later this year. Walkowiak advises you to look carefully at joints where major branches meet the main trunk of the tree, and especially look at multi-forked trees where more one main stem is close with another. Walkowiak say you should be very careful when working with your trees.
Walkowiak says be very careful that the trees aren’t near a power line, and if they are, call your electric company. Walkowiak also says you should be careful about they type of equipment you use, and you should not get into a tree off a ladder, as a branch could break off. He says if there’s something up in the tree, hire a qualified arborist. Walkowiak says it pays off in the long run to have a professional take care of the tree.
Walkowiak says they encourage people to take note of the damage and get some good quotes and bids on taking care of the damage. Walkoviak says the softer wooded trees, like silver maple and elms had a lot of damage, as well as the conifers like pines.