Ice-Covered Trees Hide Hazards Beyond the
Obvious
For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217
Ice-Covered Trees Hide Hazards Beyond the Obvious
CHAMPAIGN, IL - As roads are cleared and power is restored
throughout regions damaged by recent winter storms, homeowners and clean-up
crews need to remember to be extremely careful when working around damaged and
ice-covered trees, cautions the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
"What's fallen to the ground is just part of the overall danger
associated with storm-damaged trees," says Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director.
"A major storm can do massive damage high in the treetops, posing extreme
danger to people for weeks and months to come."
According to Skiera, potential hazards and tree problems are not
always obvious to the untrained eye. Ice-damaged tree limbs can split or break
in the treetops, and branches of all sizes can come crashing down at any time -
especially during high winds. That's why trees should be checked from the
bottom up, preferably by a Certified Arborist, to determine the full extent of
storm damage.
"Paying attention to the treetops now can prevent further damage
and greater property loss later on," Skiera says. "Ice damage can put major
stress on a tree, and that stress can require pruning or additional support
such as cables or braces."
Tips for clean-up crews and homeowners:
Leave dangerous work such as pruning or removing trees, especially large
ones,to professionals who are trained in the art and science of caring for and
maintaining trees. Certified Arborists are tree care professionals who have
achieved a level of knowledge and experience allowing them to pass a
comprehensive exam, and they are equipped to do the job safely.
Locate a Certified Arborist in your area by checking the Yellow Pages, or
visiting the ISA website at www.treesaregood.org
Ask any tree care company or Certified Arborist for proof of insurance before
hiring them to do work on your trees. A reputable company will have personal
and property damage insurance as well as worker's compensation coverage.
Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for doing tree
work. Most reputable companies are far too busy to solicit work this way.
Shoddy workmanship can do even more damage to your trees.
Say, "no, thanks" to anyone claiming to be a tree professional who offers to
'top' your tree, then look for someone else. Topping trees does more harm than
good, increasing the tree's recovery time and making the tree more dangerous.
For details on why topping hurts, visit www.treesaregood.org.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in
Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research
around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of
shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally recognized
certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local
ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.