{"id":984,"date":"2025-04-23T11:44:13","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arborhilltrees.com\/blog\/?p=984"},"modified":"2025-04-23T11:44:13","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T16:44:13","slug":"how-to-help-wind-damaged-trees-recover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arborhilltrees.com\/blog\/how-to-help-wind-damaged-trees-recover\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help Wind-Damaged Trees Recover"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/a><\/p>\n

Your backyard looks like a botanical crime scene with broken limbs and leaves everywhere. The tree you planted five seasons ago is now leaning dramatically, and it seems to have lost its will to live. You need to take action regarding that tree before it becomes a problem. But don\u2019t reach for the axe just yet. Walk around it\u2014breathe. If it\u2019s not a safety hazard, like power lines, leave it be for a day or two. Storm-damaged trees can go into a state of shock, so give them some time. Discover the best way to help wind-damaged trees.<\/p>\n

How to Help Wind-Damaged Trees Recover<\/h2>\n

Leaning Like It\u2019s Had Too Much to Drink? You Can Help.<\/h3>\n

If your tree is leaning but still has roots in the ground (even if they look like they\u2019re trying to escape), there\u2019s hope. You don\u2019t need a professional arborist degree\u2014just stakes, some ties, and tree straps.<\/p>\n

Drive stakes into the ground away from the trunk and gently pull the tree back upright using soft, flexible material. Tie it just tight enough to hold, but not so tight that it strangles the bark and causes tree damage.<\/p>\n

Stop the Impulse to Prune Everything in Sight<\/h3>\n

Only cut what\u2019s dangling, cracked, or flailing in the wind. Leave the stuff that still has leaves and give them a fighting chance. Trees are temperamental, and a branch that looks half-dead in April might sprout fresh buds in May. Give it some time before you start swinging tools around like you\u2019re in a lumberjack competition.<\/p>\n

Wounds and Tree Boo-Boos\u2014How to Help Wind-Damaged Trees<\/h3>\n

Large gashes or torn bark can look dramatic, but trees are better at healing themselves than you think. You don\u2019t need tree bandages, sprays, or gimmicky goop from the garden center. What you need is a clean, sharp blade and a gentle hand.<\/p>\n

Trim off loose, ragged bark edges to create a clean margin around the wound. This helps the tree compartmentalize the injury and grow new tissue over time.<\/p>\n

It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Feed It Like a Houseplant<\/h3>\n

Storm recovery doesn\u2019t require mystery fertilizers or proprietary potions labeled \u201ctree tonic.\u201d Trees don\u2019t need a boost from weird chemicals\u2014they just need:<\/p>\n