Trees May Need Special Attention After Storms in Kentucky

People who had trees damaged in the Kentucky storms and tornadoes a month ago may make what a forestry expert says are common mistakes.

Kentucky Division of Forestry Director Leah MacSwords says frequently after storms, people will improperly prune damaged trees or try to save the ones that are too far gone.

MacSwords says some of Kentucky’s older trees still show the signs of being “topped” or improperly pruned after the 1974 tornadoes. The agency says that practice can leave open wounds and subject the tree to disease and decay.

Other trees may have lost too much in the storm to be salvageable, and those trees should be assessed. The division recommends using a certified arborist to evaluate a tree of significant value.