Safety is a big concern when dealing with storm cleanup, especially in freezing cold temperatures.



Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ]? |? Update preferences [ [link removed] ]




DNR banner with link to website [ [link removed] ]

Ice and snow encase tree branches in a wintry closeup image

Cleanup tips for winter storm-damaged branches, injured trees

High winds and heavy snowfall from winter storms over the last week have left some Michigan homeowners with injured trees or broken branches. Safety is a big concern when dealing with storm cleanup, especially in freezing cold temperatures.

After a storm, first assess whether there are broken tree limbs located near power lines or lying on your home. These should be dealt with by professionals. Experts should also handle any hanging branches and split limbs you can?t reach from the ground. Stay away from debris tangled in power lines and?immediately?notify your utility company.

After hazardous limbs are addressed, proper pruning and care of your injured trees are important for safety and for the long-term health of the trees. This can be accomplished when work conditions are safer in spring.

If your trees have only weathered minor damage, the winter pruning tips offered in this "Showcasing the DNR" story [ [link removed] ] can help ensure the health of your trees.?For other common situations, see the following tips:


* *Get expert help for climbing or chainsaw work.?*Licensed arborists are tree care professionals trained to assess? storm-damaged trees; they have the experience needed to determine how much of a tree can or should be saved. Always ask for proof of licensing, insurance and work references. Find more information about?hiring an arborist [ [link removed] ]?from?ISA-Michigan [ [link removed] ], Michigan?s chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.
* *Keep pests in mind when disposing of wood.?*Wood left behind after trees are damaged by storms may harbor insects or diseases harmful to forests. Moving debris out of the local area can spread pests.
* *Recycle or re-use woody storm debris.* Check the national?Don?t Move Firewood?campaign [ [link removed] ] for recommendations on seasoning and using local firewood.

*Helpful resources*

* Check the?DNR?s Urban and Community Forestry [ [link removed] ]?webpage for guidance on tree care and maintenance.
* Michigan State University Extension offers ice damage tips [ [link removed] ].
* Illustrations from the Arbor Day Foundation [ [link removed] ]?can help homeowners assess levels of damage to their trees.

Questions? Email [email protected] <[email protected]>.?




Find more information about tree care and community forestry at Michigan.gov/UCF [ [link removed] ].

facebook icon circle [ [link removed] ]twitter icon circle [ [link removed] ]YouTube icon circle [ [link removed] ]instagram icon [ [link removed] ]email icon circle [ [link removed] ]pinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]




If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ]??|??Delete Profile [ [link removed] ]? |??Help [ [link removed] ]

Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ]??|??Provide Feedback <[email protected]>

Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources ? Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 ? 1-800-439-1420