Trees that lost limbs in recent tornadoes and thunderstorms are at high risk for decline or even death. Owners can reduce that risk substantially with careful pruning.

Justine Gartner, a Missouri Dept. of Conservation specialist, noted that the amount of damage a tree can sustain depends on the species.

“Weak-wooded species like silver maples, Bradford pears and Siberian elms are prone to rot, so they are hard to salvage if they lose more than a few limbs,” Gartner said. “Their wood is so soft that when damage occurs, it’s often pretty extensive.

“Those species are short-lived anyway, so it usually makes sense to replace them rather than trying to save them.”

Still, Gartner said that oaks, sugar maples, hickories, elms and other native hardwoods can survive the loss of a substantial part of their crown. In these trees, survivability depends more on where the damage occurs.

A forester or professional arborist can offer advice about whether a tree is worth trying to save.

Pruning can increase trees’ survival prospects if done properly.

The key is removing limbs to avoid further damage and promote quick healing.