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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #169925
Title: COPING WITH BLOWN OVER TREES

Author
item Wood, Bruce
item GOFF, WILLIAM - AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2004
Publication Date: 10/1/2004
Citation: Wood, B.W., Goff, W. 2004. Coping with blown over trees. Pecan Grower. 16(2):20-21.

Interpretive Summary: What to do with prostrate or leaning trees left in the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms is a serious problem for affected orchards. Decades of observation and anecdotal evidence have given insight into how to decide what to do with affected trees. Guidelines are provided that can be used to make decisions as to whether to right or remove trees. These guidelines enable farmers to make informed decisions as to how to best cope with storm damaged trees.

Technical Abstract: It is a case-by-case decision as to how to best deal with blown-over trees. Removal appears to generally be the best choice in the long-term for severely leaning (>45 degrees) larger trees; and righting usually being best for those leaning at angles less that 45 degrees or for relatively small trees. These decisions are influenced by variety, age, size, degree of root damage, degree of lean, presence of root pests, tree vigor, initial planting depth, site characteristics, importance of long-term vs. short-term revenue, and other factors. The right decision for one orchard might not be the same right decision for the orchard next door.