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Can blowdown tree be saved?

Started by JJ, October 31, 2017, 09:31:21 PM

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JJ

Hi,
We had big storm with 60+ mph winds and heavy rain with my wife's favorite tree blowing down.  Other than being on ground doesn't seem badly damaged. Can this tree be stood back up with reasonable chance of surviving?







  Thanks
   JJ




DDW_OR

I am not a tree specialist!

the root structure was weak before the blowdown, it will be weaker now.
tree will need cable support on at lease tree sides.
branches will need a serious pruning to allow wind to pass through.

that is my two-cents.

GOOD LUCK.
"let the machines do the work"

Stuart Caruk

I've lost several trees around that size over the years due to blowdown when it's really wet. Simply standing them up does no good, as they just fall over again. The ones we stood upright and guyed off for a couple years to let the roots grow out again are still alive now after several years. It's important to tamp the earth back down around the roots though. If you don't the roots dry out and the tree will die.

You should get brownie points just for trying anyway, so you may as well.

Good Luck.
Stuart Caruk
Wood-Mizer LX450 Diesel w/ debarker and home brewed extension, live log deck and outfeed rolls. Woodmizer twin blade edger, Barko 450 log loader, Clark 666 Grapple Skidder w/ 200' of mainline. Bobcats and forklifts.

TKehl

I agree with DDW and Stuart.  It will need to be braced, but will probably survive.

I do want to emphasize the importance of pruning the tree now.  It just had a bunch of roots essentially pruned off.  It may not have access to enough resources through the roots to support the whole tree nutritionally.  Better to prune hard now to make it the way you want than to have the tree struggle, self prune, and potentially be overcome by disease or pest from stress.  Basically balance the top with the bottom until it get's new roots established.

Not to mention pruning will make it easier to stand up and less likely to blow over again. 
In the long run, you make your own luck – good, bad, or indifferent. Loretta Lynn

Savannahdan

You'll need to be with careful bracing due the split if you upright the tree.  Even if it doesn't work that tree probably has some nice wood for small woodworking projects. That would give you another ace up your sleeve for getting brownie points.
Husqvarna 3120XP, Makita DCS7901 Chainsaw, 30" & 56" Granberg Chain Saw Mill, Logosol M8 Farmers Mill

DDW_OR

Quote from: Savannahdan on November 01, 2017, 08:07:07 AM
You'll need to be with careful bracing due the split if you upright the tree.  Even if it doesn't work that tree probably has some nice wood for small woodworking projects. That would give you another ace up your sleeve for getting brownie points.
if the tree does not survive then use the wood from "wife's favorite tree" to make her a jewelry box, keepsake box, display shelves, or a cutting board.
"let the machines do the work"

Ron Scott

What others have said.

It's worth a try. We have been successful in saving a number of blowdown trees over the years especially during the fall or winter months. Winch the tree back up carefully into its root ball position and pack the earth around it well. Stake and cable the tree down on its 3 weakened sides. Keep a check on it and refirm it if necessary until nature takes its course.

Treat it like a transplant. Some watering and fertilizer could help.
~Ron

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