Are you stumped on how to revive your once healthy and statuesque trees? Fires can cause varying degrees of damage to plants and wildlife. That said, not all trees exposed to flames die. With wildfire season worsening every year here in California, it’s important to know how to distinguish between burned trees and those that can be saved.
The degree of damage relies on various factors, including when the fire took place, the tree species, the extent of the flame’s intensity, and how close the tree was to other trees.
Keep reading if you need more information about what you can do to maximize the revival of your trees post-fire exposure. At Cut Rite Tree Service, the top Fresno stump grinding company, we’re here to lend our Californians a helping hand.
Inspecting the Tree’s Damage
Forest fires expose trees to damage that affects the bark from the inside out. Before evaluating the damage to revivable trees, the first step is to remove dead tree limbs and branches.
There is a spectrum of injury, from a slight singe to damage beyond repair. The fire’s intensity will determine how dried out the bark is in the aftermath. If the fire only burned through a few layers of bark or in isolated sections, the tree has a better chance of recovery. But if the fire totally consumed the tree, the potential for revival is unlikely.
Even to the expert eye, the extent of damage that the tree endured can prove harder than it seems. Consider getting more than one opinion before making drastic decisions.
The Difference Between Revivable Damage and Fire-Killed Trees
A critical factor in determining if a tree can recover depends on the bark’s condition. If burned trees experience too much fire exposure, the tree is no longer considered safe.
Because dead trees cannot generate carbon dioxide, they can no longer distribute nutrients to the branches and leaves. Bark in fire-killed trees is brittle, dry, and unstable. Less severe fire damage increases the likelihood of recovery. A priority is to make sure that trees receive the most hydration.
Providing Proper TLC
According to the arborists at Cut Rite Tree Service, the following tips are crucial to the tree revival process:
Hydrate the Soil: Soak the soil entirely; make sure that water hydrates the tree’s roots. The entire area under the tree requires a lot of water. To maximize how much water the tree absorbs, you can use a standard hose or a specific hose designed for soaking.
Protect from the Sun: When trees are in active recovery, it’s essential to protect them from sunburn. The tree’s canopy that once provided a shady environment is now gone. Thus, the tree cannot defend itself from the scorching hot sun. Wrap the trunk and major limbs in lightweight cloth, cardboard, or water-based paint to serve as a protectant
Spring’s arrival will determine if the tree has sustained recovery or not. You can identify the tree’s vitality if there is a lack of growth or remaining dead limbs
Consider Hiring Professionals
Identifying whether a tree can recover can be complicated if you’re unfamiliar with the proper steps. Restoration aids in the tree’s ability to return to a balanced, carbon-neutral state.
Although removing dead limbs and branches can be a long, tedious process, it’s a crucial and effective way to revive burned trees. Depending on the severity, a partial exposure leading to dryness doesn’t mean death. In fact, given adequate hydration, mulch, and protection from the sun, trees exposed to forest fires can make a full recovery.
Cut Rite Tree Service offers the most reliable services in California. Call (559) 320-7723 to know more about their tree removal service.
