What Should I Do With My Shade Trees After a Storm?

A: Tree-trimming companies can vary in the kind of work they do. Many are simply geared for topping trees under power lines, tree removal and stump grinding. Their workers may be able to handle a chain saw and remove cuttings but they are not particularly sensitive to the needs of the tree itself. And when you're dealing with a formerly beautiful shade tree that added a great deal of visual appeal to your home site, the kind of tree trimmer you choose makes a big difference in how well it recovers.

Arboriculture is the science of tree care. The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide organization dedicated to the care and preservation of trees. They stake their reputation on their certification program which confers the title of Certified Arborist on experienced and properly trained tree experts. A Certified Arborist must have a minimum of three years experience in tree care and he or she must pass an exam developed by an international panel of experts. Arborists are familiar with local shade tree species as well as pests and diseases common in your area.

Some tree companies are own by certified arborists or the company has one on staff. The arborist will come out and assess the storm damage to your shade trees. He or she will explain the best way to repair the tree if it is salvageable. This expert is also vital to ensuring that the kind of work that is done by that company's crews is consistent with the standards and practices of arboriculture.

The IRS actually has deductions for loss of a tree due to natural disaster. An arborist's ability to assess the value of a lost or damaged tree actually may save you money on your taxes.

It takes decades, sometimes centuries to grow a mature shade tree and only minutes in violent weather to bring it down. With such a time investment you can't afford not to take care of these valuable assets. You would not take a fine antique to a carpenter for repair, you'd go to an artisan. A storm-damaged living tree that may be just as old deserves the same.