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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHail and Storm Damages ATTS Group www.attsgroup.ca www.yardwhispers.ca e:mail: bozict@telus.net Phone: (780) 712-3699 Caring for trees after hail and windstorms damages By Toso Bozic Summer often brings intense and violent storms accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. Both large and small hailstones can cause devastating damage to trees and shrubs. Fine foliage may be stripped away, twigs snapped, tender tissues torn, and—when combined with powerful winds—even large branches may break, or entire trees may topple. In many cases, strong winds and hail also strip bark, damage small and large limbs, and can leave trees completely defoliated. On evergreens, hail can shred needles, while wind often causes stem breakage. Recovery may be slower due to limited leaf replacement each year. On deciduous trees many broadleaf species can re-leaf after hail damage, but repeated defoliation weakens tree reserves. Young and fruit trees are mostly effected due to hail bruising, which create many wounds on stems and all branches. Hail wounds increase a tree’s vulnerability to decay-causing fungi and insect infestations. Hail damage is especially harmful because it removes leaves, the essential structures that allow trees and shrubs to produce energy. Damage typically appears on the upper side of branches and on the side of the trunk facing the storm, leaving visible scars. Recovery time depends heavily on the overall health and resilience of the tree. Despite the severity of damage, many healthy trees and shrubs can recover from hailstorms. The most important part of the tree that often remains unharmed is the root system. Roots serve as the “engine” of the tree, storing much of its energy reserves and supporting recovery of damaged branches and foliage. A healthy tree that loses less than 20% of its foliage in a hailstorm often responds as though it has undergone light pruning and typically recovers with minimal long-term effects. If 50% or more of the foliage is lost, recovery becomes more challenging. While most healthy trees will survive, interior limbs that were previously shaded may suddenly be exposed to full sunlight, which can cause additional stress. In cases where more than 50% of branches are lost, survival depends on species, age, health, and follow-up care. In rare but severe cases, hail can strip nearly all foliage from a tree. A natural reaction might be to remove the tree altogether. However, removal is not always the best solution unless the tree was already in poor health or had significant preexisting issues. Many trees retain dormant buds that can produce new leaves within weeks, allowing for surprising recovery. ATTS Group www.attsgroup.ca www.yardwhispers.ca e:mail: bozict@telus.net Phone: (780) 712-3699 Pictures: Heavy hail on the ground ( L ) 30% leaves damages on elm tree ( C ), leave and needle damage after hailstorm ( R ). Photo credits: Stephen Bevans- Cardstone county (C ) and Newell county ( R ) Management If trees and shrubs are severely damaged, several recovery practices can help improve their chances of survival: • Safety First: Inspect trees carefully for contact with power lines. If any are involved, stay away and contact the utility company immediately. • Call an Arborist: If there are large broken branches or heavy hanging limbs, seek help from a certified arborist. Large branches can fall suddenly in wind or cold, creating serious injury risks. • Hazard Assessment: After the storm, you may perform a tree hazard assessment to identify ongoing trees risks to people, property and utilities . • Pruning: Remove broken, hanging, or severely damaged branches using proper pruning techniques. • Watering: Provide consistent, deep watering during dry periods to reduce stress. The main reason for watering in fall prior to winter is that water acts as an insulator to the soil and most importantly to the roots of trees. Cold air around the root system will greatly damage/kill roots causing branch dieback or eventually kill the tree. Having frozen water in the soil makes soils warmer than surrounding cold air. Roots without water around them will be more susceptible to cold dry air damages. • Mulching: Apply a 5–10 cm (2–4 inch) layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, around the base of the tree. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and promote root recovery. Keep mulch several centimeters away from the trunk to prevent rot. • Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing immediately after a storm, as stressed trees should not be forced into new growth. Instead, wait until the following growing season and apply a ATTS Group www.attsgroup.ca www.yardwhispers.ca e:mail: bozict@telus.net Phone: (780) 712-3699 balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Do not fertilize trees after July 1. Fertilization late in the growing season may stimulate new growth at a time when trees should be preparing for dormancy. By late August and early September, trees begin shutting down for winter. Late-season growth increases the risk of frost damage and long-term decline. Hail and windstorms are harsh on trees and shrubs, but most healthy trees and shrubs have the ability to recover with time, care, and patience. Protecting the roots by mulching, proper pruning of damaged branches, watering in fall is crucial for tree survival in winter. Avoiding late-season fertilization but apply appropriate amount of fertilizer for next spring growing season.