In the aftermath of a storm, we must first take care of tree damage that poses a risk to lives and properties.  When the dust settles we must then deal with less severe tree damage caused by these increasingly violent and frequent storms. The Arbor Day Foundation has shared the following information regarding post storm recovery for our trees. Please be sure to visit their page on STORM RECOVERY FOR TREES.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Danny Cohn, 402-473-9563dcohn@arborday.org

Arbor Day Foundation Offers Post-Storm Tree Recovery Resources to Homeowners in Wake of Disaster

Lincoln, Neb. (03/12/2018) – In the wake of a storm, the first priority is to protect life, safety and property. But once the emergency response has ended, addressing damage to neighborhood trees becomes central to long-term recovery.

The Arbor Day Foundation offers resources on how to properly assess damage to trees and provide needed care through a comprehensive Storm Recovery Kit. The kit contains both written materials and videos, and broadcast-quality DVDs are available upon request.

The Foundation’s materials address the dual priorities of both responding to present disasters and becoming better prepared for future storms. Key tips include:

• Don’t panic. If a tree is not an immediate hazard, it is usually okay to wait a few weeks or months before making your final decision.
• Seek professionals. To find an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, visit treesaregood.org/findtreeservices/FindTreeCareService.aspx.
• Watch out for scam artists. After a storm, it is common for people claiming to be tree specialists to show up offering their services.
• Follow best practices. If you decide to care for a damaged tree yourself, be sure to follow proper safety precautions and best practices.
• Prepare trees for future storms. With proper care, severe damage to trees and property can be prevented.

“Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained,” said Dan Lambe, president, Arbor Day Foundation. “They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or shopping district, increase property values by up to 18%, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.”

The Foundation suggests hiring professionals to evaluate tree damage but be cautious of people knocking on doors offering to remove or repair your trees. Most of these door-to-door workers lack the proper training and expertise.

About the Arbor Day Foundation: Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. During the last 45 years, more than 300 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.

As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees.  More information is available at arborday.org.