Another Example of Taking Extreme Measures to Preserve A Tree

Preservation of mature tree canopy is of utmost importance when developing a property site, as the elder statesmen add character and provide extensive environmental benefits. However, in some instances it is not feasible to preserve existing large canopy trees and tree relocation is an excellent alternative. Relocations of large "Specimen" type trees have always fascinated me. The most important factor is preserving as much of the root zone area as possible which can lead to a very heavy tree and complications with relocation logistics. In the below story a 200 year old green buttonwood tree weighing in excess of 48,000 lbs. is being relocated from private property to a City Park. This involves use of a heavy duty crane, significant root pruning and transportation by barge. A web link to the original article is included below:

Photograph Used Courtesy of Andres Leiva/Daily News

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/local/mighty-crane-needed-move-giant-tree-bradley-park-palm-beach/UcGoMJNV1cw68haQ75g4UP/

Can Trees Actually Protect Your Home from Hurricanes?

Trees have many benefits including providing oxygen, habitat for wildlife, shade, cooler temperatures etc.. But did you know that trees also can protect you and your property from storms and hurricanes? Groups of trees properly planted together can provide a wind break, and buffer each other from the effects of high winds. During a hurricane this can mean the difference from an intact home to one that loses its roof and sustains significant wind related damage. Trees can also prevent soil erosion from sudden rain events and floods, as their root systems help stabilize the soil profile. While we continue to recover from the effects of this year's hurricane events, keep in mind all the benefits trees provide. I have included some additional links with further details on how trees can provide protection from storm events below.

http://www.bigblogofgardening.com/how-trees-protect-your-home-by-slowing-wind-speed-soil-erosion-and-water-runoff/
https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1240

Stormwise South Florida Landscapes

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees.html

Up Righting Fallen Trees

One of the most commonly asked questions after a hurricane aside from can my tree be saved is how and should you upright a tree that has been blown over in a storm. The answer depends on the integrity of the tree's root system and the size/dbh (diameter breast height) of the tree in question. Typically trees with a dbh less then 6" can be successfully up righted as long as the root zone is relatively intact and free from large defects such as stem girdling, plunging or circling roots. Larger trees may never develop sufficient rooting capacity to successfully anchor the tree without use of permanent bracing systems. I have attached some links to additional information on how to properly re-brace a fallen tree along with methods for doing so.

Photographs showing tree damage post Hurricane Irma, City of Fort Lauderdale

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/fallen-trees.shtml
http://www.broward.org/Parks/Extension/CommercialHorticulture/Pages/UprootedTrees.aspx

https://agrilife.org/treecarekit/after-the-storm/repairing-storm-damaged-trees/

Hidden Post Hurricane Irma Impacts

Hurricane Irma caused substantial issues for our tree canopy. Torn limbs, toppled trees split trunks this damage is very visible and very apparent. Unfortunately, there was also a more hidden indirect impact. Florida's nurseries and plant farms took a substantial hit from the high winds and heavy rains. This will cause near and future issues as we try to replant lost/downed trees due to potential shortages of replacement trees. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 caused tree shortages that took 6 months to overcome. Hopefully, the industry can rebound sooner from the effects of Irma. I have also included several links to additional stories/articles pertaining to the effects of Hurricane Irma as it relates to the landscaping industry.

Photographs used courtesy of the FNGLA.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article173502081.html
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2017/09/14/hurricane-irma-impact-floridas-nursery-landscape-industry-suffers-significant-loss/
http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/ll-091517-hurricane-irma-impacts-florida-landscapers-fngla/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-hurricane-irma-florida-agriculture-20170918-story.html

Post Hurricane Irma Cleanup/ Tree Replanting

Fort Lauderdale sustained some significant tree damage including downed trees and significant canopy loss. The majority of the damage is proving to be from either high winds, excessive ground saturation and or poor tree structure and lack of appropriate tree planting space. So far the tree species with the most damage include  Ficus, Tabebuia, Mahogany, Seagrape and Hong Kong Orchids.

While most of South Florida continues to clean out from under the debris generated by Hurricane Irma, here are some links to a few articles on saving your trees, tree debris cleanup for Fort Lauderdale and how to remediate storm damage.

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/home-garden/article173399206.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/fl-reg-hurricane-irma-debris-removal-20170911-story.html
http://fortlauderdale.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1580/16?backlist=%2F

http://blog.davey.com/2017/03/what-to-do-if-a-storm-damaged-my-tree/https://www.arborday.org/media/stormrecovery/4_treefirstaid.cfm

Hurricane Harvey Effects and Historic Tree Survival

Hurricanes can cause significant damage to newly installed and existing tree canopy. Trees with structural defects, those planted too deeply, improperly pruned and or planted in too small a space often experience significant storm related failures. You can reduce the potential for a storm related failure by following proper tree pruning principles and utilizing an ISA Certified Arborist to inspect your trees annually. There are also lessons to be learned from older trees that have survived multiple and or significant storm events and escaped relatively unscathed. Per the included article link below a 1,000+ year old Live Oak tree survived the effects of Hurricane Harvey with minimal damage. Note the ample growing space and robust structure of the tree, both possible factors in why the tree was able to survive.

Photograph Courtesy of the Independent US.

 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-harvey-oak-tree-1000-year-old-survive-tropical-storm-goose-island-state-park-a7920576.html

The Value of Regular Inspections for High Risk trees/ and The Aftermath of Missed Ones

Annual risk assessments/inspections of your canopy trees by an ISA Certified Arborist can save you time, money and even your life. Recently a large Elm tree failed in New York City's Historic Central Park causing significant injuries. This particular tree can be considered high risk due to its limited planting space something that should always be kept in mind when planting new trees make sure enough space is available for the root system. Also of note the tree did receive an annual inspection but due to its high risk should most likely have been inspected on a more frequent basis or through use of a more advanced technique such as through use of a resistograph. A weblink to the full article is available here: https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170816/upper-west-side/central-park-tree-injuries

 Photograph Courtesy of Fox News/ Associated Press