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Ice-Covered Trees Hide Hazards Beyond the Obvious

For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217

Ice-Covered Trees Hide Hazards Beyond the Obvious

CHAMPAIGN, IL - As roads are cleared and power is restored throughout regions damaged by recent winter storms, homeowners and clean-up crews need to remember to be extremely careful when working around damaged and ice-covered trees, cautions the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

"What's fallen to the ground is just part of the overall danger associated with storm-damaged trees," says Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director. "A major storm can do massive damage high in the treetops, posing extreme danger to people for weeks and months to come."

According to Skiera, potential hazards and tree problems are not always obvious to the untrained eye. Ice-damaged tree limbs can split or break in the treetops, and branches of all sizes can come crashing down at any time - especially during high winds. That's why trees should be checked from the bottom up, preferably by a Certified Arborist, to determine the full extent of storm damage.

"Paying attention to the treetops now can prevent further damage and greater property loss later on," Skiera says. "Ice damage can put major stress on a tree, and that stress can require pruning or additional support such as cables or braces."

Tips for clean-up crews and homeowners:

  • Leave dangerous work such as pruning or removing trees, especially large ones,to professionals who are trained in the art and science of caring for and maintaining trees. Certified Arborists are tree care professionals who have achieved a level of knowledge and experience allowing them to pass a comprehensive exam, and they are equipped to do the job safely.
  • Locate a Certified Arborist in your area by checking the Yellow Pages, or visiting the ISA website at www.treesaregood.org
  • Ask any tree care company or Certified Arborist for proof of insurance before hiring them to do work on your trees. A reputable company will have personal and property damage insurance as well as worker's compensation coverage.
  • Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for doing tree work. Most reputable companies are far too busy to solicit work this way. Shoddy workmanship can do even more damage to your trees.
  • Say, "no, thanks" to anyone claiming to be a tree professional who offers to 'top' your tree, then look for someone else. Topping trees does more harm than good, increasing the tree's recovery time and making the tree more dangerous. For details on why topping hurts, visit www.treesaregood.org.

    The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.

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    "Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett

    Resources

    Pruning Mature Trees Brochure

    Recognizing Tree Hazards Brochure

    Available through the ISA Web store
    © International Society of Arboriculture 2009
    P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826
    Email comments & questions to isa@isa-arbor.com