Factors to Consider in Deciding Whether to Restore or Remove a Tree Following Storm Damage

Expected life span: Consider Age and expected life span. Short Lived trees generally make poor candidates for saving

Value and benefit: Trees take a long time to grow large. Consider how valuable a tree is to you, your neighbors and future property owners

Health: Vigorous Trees are better candidates for restoration

Heartwood Exposure: Trees with breaks that expose heartwood may be more likely to decay following the storm

Species: Strong compartmentalizers and trees that sprout readily are most suited for restoration

Structure: Determine if the remaining structure lends itself to building a new crown

Failure Potential: Consider the history of failure. If the tree has sustained serious damage due to past failure, it might be time to remove it

Trunk Cracks: Cracks in the trunk usually warrant removal

Crown damage: If distribution around the crown is uneven it will be more challenging to restore

Pruning: Consider the cost of pruning over multiple years to restore crown

Root Decay: Trees with serve root decay should not be restored

Stem-Girdling roots: Trees with severe root defects should not be restored

Partial Uprooting: Trees with a lifted root plate should not be restored