Mother Nature was kind to northeast Kansas residents last weekend when the much-anticipated ice storm mostly missed the area. Storms like these come around from time to time, though, and are a good reminder that caring for trees can prevent a lot of headaches in times like these. And if your trees do suffer in the storm, there are some simple ways to make the issue less of a disaster.

Preventing damage

Take a walk around your yard and really look at the trees growing there. If one lost a limb or fell over, what could potentially be affected? Overhead utility lines, houses, cars, etc. are all commonly damaged from falling limbs and trees in ice storms (and heavy winds in the spring and summer). Identify potential targets.

Next, look more closely at the trees within reach of those targets. Are there dead limbs, splits high up in the tree, or visible hollows? Are they a species that is prone to breakage in storms such as Siberian elm, silver maple or Bradford pear? If you answered yes to either of these questions, hire an arborist to remove the dead or split limbs and further evaluate the safety and soundness of the tree(s). The preventive maintenance you do now could save you time and money over the tree falling and causing property damage or a power outage later.

Even if your trees lack outward signs of damage or decay and are species less prone to damage such as white oak or linden, periodic evaluation by a professional is a good idea. Some tree species are good at internalizing decay and hiding external signs of issues.

Well-maintained trees increase property value by as much as 10 percent, according to the U.S. Forest Service, so avoid cutting them down if possible or plan to replace older, ailing trees that must be removed. Trees also benefit the community by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, reducing energy costs, reducing erosion and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Dealing with damage

If trees do break in a storm, a professional arborist is still your best bet. If a tree or limb has downed a power lines, call 911 and/or the local utility right away and stay away from (always assume it is live).

When hiring an arborist, look for companies or individuals who are certified by the Kansas Arborists Association (KAA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). These certifications ensure training and a commitment to professionalism. Ice storms are known to bring in “storm-chasers” – often fly-by-night companies who lack training in proper tree care and who can cause more harm than good in the long run.

For trees that have split or lost limbs, you will have to decide if the tree can or should be saved or if it is time for removal and replacement. An arborist can help you make those decisions, and like most things, two or three opinions are certainly better than one.

If the tree shows signs of internal decay such as hollows or soft, spongy wood, there may be more damage or the tree may be more of a risk than originally thought although this is still dependent on species, other signs of health, and existence of a target.

Trees that have lost their tops, their central leader (trunk), or more than half of their crown are probably good candidates for removal. Trees with large wounds from their losses may also be considered for removal as wounds create entry points for insects and disease-causing organisms.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.”