Here’s how to help storm damaged trees recover and assess if a tree can’t be saved.

Dont let that sense of urgency push you intocutting down a treethat may be salvageable.

Assess the Storm Damage

Inspect your trees to determine the extent of damage.

Tree branches on the ground

Credit:Catherine McQueen / Getty Images

Is Tree Removal Necessary?

But if several major limbs are damaged, have an arborist assess whether the tree can be saved.

Also, those missing 50 percent or more of their canopy are poor candidates.

Tree being pruned

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Youll feel like youre making progress and youll be eliminating tripping hazards as you walk around the yard.

Straightening and Staking

Straighten smaller trees that were uprooted or leaning immediately after the storm.

Remove stakes after one year.

Avoid this practice to help your trees withstand storms better.