Storms in the Southeast can seem very scary, especially in our heavily forested city. The docile oak that you gaze at with wonder and appreciation on sunny days may seem sinister during storms. Some homeowners panic about the safety of trees during storms and remove every tree on their property in the name of safety. If you are concerned about the health and safety of a tree, or suspect storm damage, have it assessed as soon as possible by a qualified tree expert.  Typically, downed trees are accidents that may be avoided with proper tree management. Read on to learn how you can protect yourself and your tree.

Proper tree management today can minimize or remove dangers to your trees (and to you) during future storms. Mature tree care should be an important part of your home maintenance budget. It is an investment in the future that can help protect you and your trees. Here are a few things you can do to help protect your trees, young and old:

1. Be nice. Avoid wounding a tree by snapping off limbs and branches or by nailing objects into the trunk. Trees cannot heal. An injury stays with a tree for life and can eventually become a weak point in the tree.

2. Prune. Carefully prune your trees for good structure and health. Removing unwanted branches while they are young (preferably less than 1" in diameter) makes it easier for the tree to close off the wound. Cuts should be smooth and just outside of the branch collar (nub where branch meets trunk). [See "How to Care for Your Tree" and "Pruning" pages.]

3. Stake wisely. When planting new trees, don't stake them too tightly. Allow for some wind movement so the tree can grow and adjust to its new environment. After one year, either remove stakes or loosen them if the tree is not yet ready for stakes to be removed.

4. Give them a drink and something to eat. Water and fertilize trees as recommended by a certified arborist to keep them health... but never over-fertilize. Soil testing is also recommended to ensure proper application.

5. Protect against lightning. Install lightning protection (such as rods or cables) in large, mature trees. Lightning causes damage that can eventually lead to tree failure.

For more ideas about keeping your leafy friends safe, check out this article written by Dr. Kim Coder, at the University of Georgia: http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/C806.htm