RESTORING TREES DAMAGED BY WINTER STORM

&Build Bloom RESTORING TREES DAMAGED BY WINTER STORM

By Madalyn Watson

Standard-Radio Post reporter

Winter Storm Uri left damage in its wake. Luckily, the damages to the greenery in yards can be helped.

Texas Tree Service Owner Jerry Eddy started his business in McAllen in 1975. By 1999, Eddy relocated the family-run business to Kerrville, where it has now grown to serve all of the Texas Hill Country.

Eddy, who has been in business for over 40 years, shared some tips for those who want to restore their trees to their former, pre-storm glory.

Eddy also answered some common questions about trees that spark curiosities this time of year.

Q: How can you tell if a tree has been damaged beyond repair by the storm?

A: “If the leaves turn brown but do not fall off the tree, there is a good chance it is dead.”

Q: How do you replant a tree that has fallen from the storm?

A: “You can upright a tree. You would have to stake it to secure the tree. Then, slowly soak the rootball with water to remove air pockets around the roots.”

Q: Are there any types of trees that can withstand a storm?

A: “Any trees that have been properly pruned and thinned out reduces the sail resistance, allowing the wind to go through the tree.”

Q: Do you have any safety tips for people who are working on their trees?

A: “Stay off ladders, do not cut above your head.”

Q: What situations require professional help?

A: “Any time you don’t know exactly what to do, it is best to get or ask a professional, including when there are tree limbs near power lines, or on roof lines, anything near houses. Also, any removals of any kind.”

“We, as professionals, risk injury. Tree work is the sixth most dangerous occupation as reported by hospital emergency rooms.”

Q: How has the storm affected your day-to-day job?

A: “With over 40 years of experience, we are working very long days to clean up this last ice storm’s damage. A lot of broken limbs, split trees, uprooted trees, reshaping trees and removing trees.”

Q: What are the little worms that are hanging off of oak trees and can they be prevented?

A: “They are called web worms. You can spray them but they usually just die off after a couple weeks. If the infestation is bad enough, they can defoliate the tree which stresses the tree.”

Jerry Eddy has been in the tree restoration business for over 40 years. His company, Texas Tree Service, serves Kerrville and the rest of the Texas Hill Country. – Submitted photo