When The Wind Blows
Gardening with the Wind
Here are a few tip to learn how to help your treasured
trees weather the tempests and keep from snapping in the wind. It's not as
difficult as you think.
In
Texas they call them Blue Northers. Around the Great Lakes, it's Lake Effect
storms. Chinooks create caution from Alberta, Canada south to New Mexico. In
Alaska, the Taku storm winds prevail and the California coast braces for the
seasonal Santa Anas. Whatever their names, a key ingredient of these storms is
wind - and lots of it!
Plant a Tree for Wind Resistance
How
you plant will benefit the plant as it grows and gains the strength for all
kinds of weather. Your main objective when you plant a new tree (whether fruit
bearing or ornamental) should be to encourage rapid growth and production,
coupled with vigor and storm resistance. A tree may appear large and strong,
but if the root system is not established properly, a windstorm can leave you
with a gaping hole in your well planned landscape. Try these simple steps for
planting
- Break up the root ball ( especially if they are
growing in a spiral) and tickle the roots in the bottom of the pot.
Better yet, purchase only plants that are well rooted in their containers, but
not so root bound that the roots are spreading out of the bottom of their
container.
- My grandpa used to teach, “Dig a $10 hole for a
$5 tree”. Today’s horticulture specialists teach a little differently, but the
basic theory is sound. Spread the roots outward in the hole. A good rule of
thumb is - place the plant in a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep
enough to be able to add organic matter and mulch to the hole in addition to
the soil.
- Finish planting so the final grade or level of
the soil is the same as the container the plant was in.
Water Trees to Withstand Winds
Many
types of large trees, like some of those seen on golf courses and lawns are really
not suitable for shallow, large volume watering systems provided by sprinklers.
Sprinkling does not allow trees to anchor their roots deeply to provide
strength against strong winds. Less frequent watering provided slow and deep is
best. The way you water your tree in the early stages will determine how it
reacts and responds to wind during a storm. Watering close to the trunk
encourages the root system to grow in a small pattern, clumping inward toward
the trunk. Instead, it's best to move the water source outward as the tree
grows - toward the drip line and away from the trunk. If you water the roots in
this manner, you will provide added strength to the tree.
Summertime
in the deserts around Phoenix, AZ brings seasonal monsoons. Predictably, the high
wind storms create toppled trees. Mature cypress, California pepper, olive
trees, and others fall victim to winds over 50 mph. Experts are ready for calls
to repair and
remove. The
wind damage estimates citywide after these storms can top out in the millions.
Toppled trees, watered with shallow sprinkling systems, collapse on their sides
and display support systems with shallow roots growing close to the trunks.
More evidence of the important of watering properly.
Prune Trees for Wind Resistance
Most
trees grow well with little or no pruning - they've done so for years. In fact,
if you look closely at nature, some of the most attractive trees are always less
than perfect. Some of the prettiest are the palms that grow sideways, pines
angled along the ground or cypress twisted by coastal gales.
If
too many branches develop, competition and shading will allow some branches to
grow faster than others. In turn, the small, weak branches will die and drop.
Whenever possible, allow your trees to develop with minimal pruning. Prune only
to correct obvious structural faults, such as poorly positioned or strongly
competing limbs, weak branch attachments, or limbs that are damaged and dead.
Remember, when you destroy natural formations - trees react. If a limb is removed,
make sure there is a reason for it. Recreational pruners can undoubtedly cause
problems that will be difficult to correct in later years. Most experts still
abide with the guideline, "prune only 25% of the tree each growing
season". Pruning more can cause unnecessary damage. Nature has created a
unique way of allowing trees to develop their own manner of balance.
Caring For Trees With Wind Damage
Broken
limbs that occur during severe windstorms should be repaired. When the branches
are large or high up on the tree, call a professional. But in home gardening,
where do-it-yourself is a part of life, you can cut the limbs yourself and have
them fall properly in the intended place with just a few planned practices.
Usually, you can prune trees any time
of the year, except when the tree is swelling with new buds or putting on new
growth or fruit. A tree in its dormant stage is generally best for
consideration. In most areas the ideal month for pruning is December through
February. In higher elevations, the season can extend into March or even April.
Equipment
needed for pruning is usually easy to find and inexpensive, although size of
the pruning job will dictate the type of tools needed. Hand shears and pruning
loppers are handy for small limbs less than one inch in diameter. Hand pruning
saws are ideal for use on larger limbs. Chain saws may be needed for bigger jobs.
Treating
wounds in trees from wind damage with petroleum based tar is not as crucial as
previously thought, especially on small cuts. Some nurseries still recommend
that all pruning cuts be treated with asphalt salves, Bordeaux paste (a topical
fungicide) or other tree healing products. The argument exists that you are
making an incision on living tissue (just like a surgeon) so the wounds are
subject to infection and disease. But most extension specialists and master
gardeners agree that research points in another direction. So what is the
treatment of choice by modern professionals? Nothing – leave it alone. Prune to
maintain and repair wind damage limb, but then allow the tree (which usually
has its own built-in mending system) time to heal naturally.
How to Prune Trees Safely
Don't
forget about safety - an important consideration when working in the garden
with any tools. Safety glasses, gloves, sturdy ladders, and when necessary,
hard hats and ear protection may be needed. Also, if the tree is large and tall, it may be a good idea to make it a two-person job.
Broken
limbs and split trees that leave an exposed cavity used to be a tree surgeon's
dream. Nowadays the reality is... trees usually heal just fine on their own, without a
lot of extra expense and cosmetic packaging.
If you have any questions or doubts, check with your
local extension office for proper pruning techniques. It's a free service, with
expert guidance.
