Tennessee Forestry Officials: Damaged Trees Can Recover

State forestry officials say some trees damaged by recent tornadoes or flooding could still survive.

Bruce Webster, urban forester with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, said trees have an amazing capacity to re-grow after damage.

In a news release from the state, he encouraged property owners to give them a chance to recover.

Officials said damaged yard trees that are still standing should be left undisturbed unless they present an eminent hazard.

Flooded trees will have to be watched over time. Flooding causes more root damage than top damage, so the damage may not be visible for several weeks.

Trees are less tolerant of flooding during the growing season of April through September than they are November through March.