interested in First Aid Procedures For Damaged Trees I he trail of damage after a major storm truly reveals the power of Mother Nature, and the remains can be dev- astating, especially for trees. Unprotected, trees are vulnerable to any storm and the wounds might look fatal. However, even though major branches may be broken, foli- age might be shredded, or the bark may be torn and gouged, trees have an amazing ability to recover from even the most severe cases. First aid for damaged trees after a major storm can help trees recover, says the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Follow a few simple tree first-aid procedures immediately after a major storm: • Do not try to do it all yourself. If large limbs are broken or hanging, or if ladder or overhead chain-saw work is needed, it is a job for a pro- fessional arborist. • Take safety precautions. Look up and look down. Be on the alert and stay away from downed util- ity lines and dangerous hanging branches that look like they are ready to fall. • Assess the damage. Evaluate your trees carefully by asking the following questions: Other than the storm damage, is the tree basi- cally healthy and vigorous? Are major limbs or the leader (the main upward-trending branch on most trees) still remaining? Is at least 50 percent of the tree's crown (branches and leaves) still intact? Are there remaining branch- es that can form a new branch structure? If you answered "yes" to the majority of these questions, there is a good chance for complete recovery. For assistance, hire an ISA Certified Arborist to determine the tree's condition. • Remove any broken branches or stubs still attached to the tree. Removing the jagged remains of smaller-sized broken limbs to mini- mize the risk of decay agents enter- ing the wound. Smaller branches should be pruned at the point where they join larger ones. Follow the pruning guidelines shown here for proper cuts to help the tree to recover faster. Making selling? The gallery is actively purchasing works on paper, paintings and sculpture by the artists listed below, as well as other 20th Century Masters. Please call to set up an appointment. the cut illus- trated with a handsaw is fine — with a chain saw it could create a hazard. For larger branches that are bro- ken, a professional arborist who has the necessary equipment and knowledge needed to do the job safely should cut the branch back to the trunk or a main limb. • Resist the urge to over-prune (no longer recommended). Do not worry if the tree's appearance is not per- fect. With branches gone, your trees may look unbalanced or naked. You will be surprised at how fast they will recover, grow new foliage, and return to their natural beauty. • Do not top your trees! Untrained individuals may urge you to cut back all of the branches on the mis- taken assumption that it will help avoid breakage in future storms. However, professional arborists say that "topping" — the cutting of main branches back to stubs — is extremely harmful and unhealthy for your trees. Stubs will often grow back many weakly-attached branches that are higher and are more likely to break when a storm strikes. Topping also will reduce the amount of foliage, on which the tree depends for the food and nourishment needed for re-growth. A topped tree that has already sus- tained major storm damage is more likely to die than repair itself. A qualified tree care professional can assist you with the damage and perform the job safely. To find an ISA Certified Arborist and for more information on storm-recovery tree care, visit www.treesaregood.org or contact ISA at (800) ISA-Tree. — Home Improvement News and Information Center Milton Avery Clement Meadmore Alexander Calder Louise Nevelson Al Held Philip Pearlstein Hans Hofmann Donald Sultan Lester Johnson Andy Warhol Alex Katz Tom Wesselmann David Klein Gallery 163 Townsend, Birmingham, Michigan 248.433.3700 1 info@dkgallery.com 1 visit us at dkgallery.com HOURS: MONDAY—SATURDAY I I - 5:30 1471290 russeii hardware company FI\V. DOOR & CABINE 1 HAI:DV:MU ACCFStioRiFs & BA M Since 1910 BALDWIN ARCHETYPES www.russellhardware.com 36280 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI (248) 644-0100 • Fax: (248) 644-6056 2605 Charlevoix Ave. (US 3 I ), Petoskey, MI (231) 348-8100 • Fax: (231) 348-8118 January 15 • 2009 C3