How should storm-damaged trees be pruned?
First, focus on cleaning (removing broken and damaged limbs) keeping in mind the structural integrity of the tree. Realize that you may have to accept less than ideal pruning techniques by “Mother Nature”. Second, focus on thinning and/or reducing to restore the tree’s structural integrity and shape to the extent possible. This may take place over a period of years. The maximum amount of tree canopy that can be removed without putting the tree and its root system under stress includes the live wood/foliage removed by the storm. When Mother Nature removes too much live wood/foliage, limit pruning to cleaning. On storm damaged trees where excessive live wood and foliage was removed by storm damage, wait until the roots and crown stabilize (as measured in canopy growth) before doing thinning, reducing or other structural pruning. This may be a multi-year period. Keep the tree if it can be pruned back to structurally sound wood and will be esthetically pleasing. Often when one side of the
