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Jan. 7, 2025Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MU officials offer advice on storm-damaged trees

winter ice on trees

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - After severe winter storms, experts warn homeowners not to rush when dealing with storm-damaged trees.

Foresters with the University of Missouri Extension, advises patience, saying trees are resilient and can often recover with proper care. Quick action, like removing trees immediately, could mean losing trees that might survive.

Officials emphasize that cutting bent or twisted branches with a chainsaw can be hazardous due to hidden strain in the wood, posing risks for untrained individuals.

For trees with branches larger than six inches in diameter, officials recommend seeking professional help. However, officials warn against hiring unverified workers offering tree services.

Homeowners should check references and insurance before hiring. Officials also advise against topping trees, which weakens their structure and leaves them vulnerable to future storms.

Instead, they suggests trimming jagged smaller branches and cutting larger ones back to the trunk to help trees recover naturally.