Be warned: Clean-up Efforts of Storm-uprooted Trees in Iowa Require Caution
In the aftermath of the recent storms in northwest Iowa, homeowners who have lost trees are encouraged to replant when the time is right. However, before embarking on the cleanup process, state forestry experts are urging Iowans to exercise caution.
Safety is paramount during this task, and experts advise wearing comprehensive protective gear. This includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing, and head protection. Loose-fitting clothing should be avoided as it could get caught in equipment.
When dealing with tree wounds, especially for oak trees, proper wound treatment is essential to promote tree health and prevent disease. While the exact procedures might vary, standard forestry guidance includes cleaning the damaged area, pruning cleanly to remove broken limbs, and avoiding wound dressings that might trap moisture and cause decay. For specific guidance on oak tree wound care, it's advisable to consult Iowa's forestry resources or the DNR.
Larger trees, after being uprooted, are less likely to recover. Younger wind-thrown trees, on the other hand, can be saved by staking and guying.
Emma Hanigan, the urban forestry coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, warns to be careful when working with snapped, twisted, or tangled tree limbs as they may bind against the chainsaw.
More information about oak wilt and resources for tree disaster preparedness and response can be found on the DNR webpage at www.iowadnr.gov/oakwilt and www.iowadnr.gov/treedisaster, respectively.
After the cleanup, homeowners are encouraged to contact a professional, insured arborist for tree inspections.
By following these guidelines, Iowans can ensure a safer and more effective cleanup process, while also supporting the recovery of their trees.
- The community news in northwest Iowa has been reporting about the aftermath of the recent storms that caused damage to many homes, including the loss of trees.
- Homeowners who have lost trees in the storm are being advised to seek information from Iowa's forestry resources or the DNR regarding proper oak tree wound care.
- Emma Hanigan, the urban forestry coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has cautioned people to be careful when dealing with snapped, twisted, or tangled tree limbs during the cleanup process.
- Younger wind-thrown trees can be saved by staking and guying, whereas larger trees that have been uprooted are less likely to recover.
- To promote tree health and prevent disease, it's important to avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cleaning tree wounds, especially for oak trees, as it could get caught in equipment.
- To ensure a safer and more effective cleanup process, homeowners are encouraged to follow standard forestry guidance, contact a professional, insured arborist for tree inspections, and check the environmental-science section of the DNR webpage for resources on tree disaster preparedness and response, including information about oak wilt.
