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Forestry -> Windstorm
Storm Damage Information
Last updated December 30, 2008
Heavy winds coupled with saturated soils can cause major damage to trees and forests in western Washington. WSU Extension and the Washington Department of Natural Resources are providing the following information for landowners and homeowners to cope with fallen and damaged trees. The resources on this site were originally compiled in response to the wind events of December 2006 in the Puget Sound area and December 2007 in southwest Washington.
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Storm Damage to Forests: Information for Landowners (pdf) This Q&A fact sheet provides information on cleanup timelines, insect, disease, and fire risks, and where to get assistance.
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Storm Damage to Urban Forests: Information for Homeowners
(This information applies to storm damage to shade and ornamental trees. Click here for information about storm damage to trees in your forests).
Top 5 points to consider when cleaning up damaged trees:
1. Deal with immediate safety hazards first. Trees that are on or in danger of falling on power lines are dangerous. Contact your local power company to notify them of the situation.
2. Work with a certified arborist for all tree care. A directory of ISA Certified Arborists can be found here. Certified arborists have the skills and training to care for your tree so as to best prevent future problems.
3. Not all damaged trees will need to be removed. Trees with broken tops provide excellent wildlife habitat. Consider retaining these trees if they will not pose a future safety hazard to homes, power lines or other assets. Trees that have lost one or more limbs may survive, depending on the amount of foliage lost and the size of the wound. Consult with a trained arborist to determine the appropriate course of action.
4. Don't top trees. Topping trees (cutting back all the branches) results in poor tree health and future problems.
5. Does your fallen tree have value? Large landscape trees often have valuable wood. Before sending the fallen tree to the chipper, consider finding a sawmill operator who would be interested in recycling the wood. Species with particular value include cedar and many hardwoods. For a list of mill operators, click here.
City of Seattle Arborist Information: After the Storm...Advice on Dealing With Tree Issues (2006)
King County News Release: Tips on Managing Trees, Limbs, and Brush Damaged by Storm (2006)
Additional resources for homeowners: (pdf files)
How to Recognize and Prevent Tree Hazards: PNW ISA publication
Oregon Department of Forestry Publications:
An Oregon Homeowner's Guide to Tree Care
Can These Trees Be Saved?
Tree First Aid After a Storm
Reducing Tree Damage in Future Storms
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Useful Resources
Directory of Certified Arborists
Directory of Consulting Foresters
Directory of Portable Mill Operators
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