Storms and heavy winds are frequently common causes of uprooted trees. And as warmer spring weather arrives, it sometimes brings with it the atmospheric volatility responsible for these storms and heavy winds, including in Austin, Texas. Uprooted trees may detract value from a homeowner’s property, disrupt a landscape, or cause the loss of a tree altogether. Since storms and heavy winds are inevitable and cannot be controlled, the question arises: Can uprooted trees be salvaged? The answers depend on several factors.
The size of the tree is perhaps one of the biggest factors in determining whether or not a tree may be saved. Smaller trees are either typically such by nature or are indicative of a less mature tree. Small uprooted trees may be salvageable because they consume less mass and are presumably more manageable as a result. They are typically easier to work with, which makes securing them back into the ground less of a challenge.
On the contrary, it may be possible to salvage large uprooted trees. However, to do so would likely require the expertise and assistance of an Austin arborist. A certified arborist can help determine the tree’s viability through careful examination before proceeding with attempting to re-root the tree. How many days have passed since the tree was uprooted and away from its lifeline? Do the roots give an appearance of having dried out? Is there evidence that the tree was diseased and requires immediate action to suppress the spread of the disease to healthy, proximal trees? Or is there evidence that the tree had succumbed to disease and required removal anyway? Undoubtedly, attempting to save a large tree requires equipment and supplies that typically only an arborist would have available. The dangers from such an undertaking make consulting an Austin tree trimming specialist a virtual requirement.
Other considerations to make include any possible hazards that may exist as a result of the uprooted tree. Were power lines in the way of the fall? If so, are any downed wires live or are pieces of metal or other potentially dangerous debris wrapped around or near the tree? One must consider the possibility of a body of water or perhaps rising flood waters complicating access to the tree or endangering those engaged in the effort. Are there limbs which could easily detach and down power lines or fall on workers? Might impending additional storms, heavy winds or inclement weather hinder the process or undo it if completed prior to their arrival? If limbs snap back at workers, they could cause bodily harm if trimming them away becomes necessary in the attempt to restore the tree. Finally, one must consider whether other structures or properties could be impacted by an attempt to salvage the tree.
Considerations to make which aren’t necessarily reflective of a hazard, but are of equal importance include resources, both financial and personal. If professional assistance is needed, what is the overall cost? Is it a one-time cost, or will continued professional services be required for any follow-up evaluations and procedures necessary to sustain the tree? Are there any homeowner’s insurance provisos with which to contend for any damage done prior to beginning possible restoration of the tree? What will be required of the homeowner throughout the process and, realistically, does he/she have the resources, time, energy, and commitment needed to put forth a best effort?
These are just several things to consider when dealing with an uprooted tree. With any luck, the tree may be able to be saved. However, it is best to consult a professional Austin tree care service for assistance.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree service in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and oak wilt treatment. For more information on Austin tree service, please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
