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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Can an uprooted tree be saved?

Can you recover a fallen tree?

I kind of thought I'd covered this topic on this blog before, but I write an a few different places, so it looks like this blog is missing this important Tree Service topic.

For small trees, it is sometimes possible. I'll write more about that in a moment.

Larger trees, in almost all situations, cannot be saved. They are simply too massive. Their root system, in addition to gathering their water and nutrients, acts as their footing or support system. Once that support system is compromised, it's just not likely that you'd ever get the tree to re-grow roots that are strong enough to support it. I say "Re-grow" because in the process of uprooting, much of that root system will have been destroyed. The fall also is likely to do significant damage to the limbs and possibly even the trunk. If you were to try to stand it back up, you'd need a crane. Attaching that crane and beginning to lift the tree might very well result in additional damage to the tree's crown. Once a mature tree has been uprooted, unfortunately, the only real option is to have it removed.

Fallen Tree Recovery

Relatively young trees, as mentioned earlier, do have a chance. Their root systems have not fully developed and their mass is still at a reasonable, workable size.

You'll want a certified arborist to advise on the process. They'll consider options for preparing the remaining roots and the hole that formed when they were pulled out. They'll look at ways to brace the young tree to allow time for roots to grow back out. They'll be able to advise on a watering schedule and let you know when and how much to fertilize the recovering tree.

My client, Mid Florida Tree Service, can help you determine if your tree is small enough to be restored, or help you removed one that is just too big to recover.