Many trees damaged by ice can be treated

While the winter storm that swept through North Carolina in recent days caused a range of damage and discomfort, the greatest damage was probably to trees.

Even though Alleghany County escaped the worst of the tree damage, trees across the state were covered with a heavy layer of ice. Limbs snapped and, in some cases, trees were uprooted. If the health of damaged trees is to be maintained, they must be properly treated and repaired, according to Rick Hamilton, a forestry specialist at North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at N.C. State.

Some types of damage may be treated satisfactorily by the homeowner, said Hamilton. But if repairing a damaged tree requires extensive bracing, cabling or the removal of large branches, homeowners may be well advised to call in a tree specialist.

Many trees and limbs were bent severely by the heavy coating of ice. While trees that were deformed in this manner may never completely regain their original form, Hamilton suggested that property owners give them a chance before cutting them down.

"If a tree is not an immediate hazard, give it a chance to recover," Hamilton said. “They will straighten to a certain extent."

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