California-based tree care experts give a quick guide to dealing with an uprooted tree.
Can an Uprooted Tree Be Saved?
Trees beautify any sort of landscape, but they are especially important in urban and suburban areas where trees can be scarce. They can add value to a property as well as curb appeal and offer a wide variety of practical uses including providing privacy and energy saving shade. It feels particularly tragic when a beautiful yard tree is felled by thunderstorms or high winds. Can a tree that has been pulled up by the roots be saved?
Why Trees Become Susceptible to Uprooting
Why do some trees get uprooted while others don’t? There are actually many factors that can contribute to a tree being uprooted. Obviously the end cause is usually high winds from a storm, but this is usually the last straw, not the entire story. Here are some reasons that a tree might be pulled up by the roots:
- Saturated soil
- Soil quality change
- Shallow roots
- Soil has high clay content
- Fungal infection weakening roots
- Heavy tree crown
- Age of tree
These are just a few of the factors that can affect a landscaping tree. Consulting an arborist about a tree risk assessment may help you determine if any of your trees are susceptible to uprooting. Fortunately, it is not necessarily the end of the tree if it is uprooted.
Can A Tree Survive Being Uprooted and What Can Be Done?
The short answer to the above question is yes. The problem is the chance of a tree surviving is very slim if it is not meticulously cared for after the uprooting and replanting process. Age and size are also a factor in determining tree survival post-uprooting. The older a tree is, the more extensive its root system. Even if a large tree appears to have most of its roots intact, there have likely been some major ones severed that will prevent the tree from getting enough nutrients. This is true even if you are able to return the tree to an upright position. This may be a case where the best option is tree removal. If the tree is young enough, however, it may be salvageable. Here’s how:
- Cover the Roots: Keep the tree’s roots from drying out by shoveling dirt over them. This helps retain moisture.
- Avoid Too Much Movement: Any twisting or turning of the tree can result in more broken roots. Lift the tree in as straight a manner as possible.
- Do Support the Tree: Make sure the tree is not only upright, but is also secure.
- Do Prune: Tree pruning should be limited to broken branches.
- Do Water: Keep the soil moist.
- Don’t Fertilize: Fertilizer can actually do more harm than good when it comes to tree health care. Wait a year before adding any fertilizer.
- Do Call an Arborist: The best way to take care of your tree is to consult the experts on what to do.
Call the Professionals
This sort of situation where a tree has uprooted and needs specialized tree care is the precise time to call in the experts. A reputable tree service company can help you prevent transplant shock and can advise you on all the proper steps to giving your tree the best chance at survival. Remember that they are not just about tree trimming and tree removal; they are about tree and plant health care.
About Ned Patchett Tree Care & Consulting
Ned Patchett Tree Care & Consulting understands how important trees are to the San Carlos, CA area. That is why we focus on preservation as much as we possibly can. Call today for a quote on an arboricultural consultation or other tree services.
