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Tree
and Forest Restoration - What
to do to help trees
Water
and fertilizer
If
the tree has survived the fire with some scorch damage it is important
to help your tree recover. Loss of leaves or needles results in
the tree not being able to produce the sugars and starches it needs
to live. Depending on the time of year and the tree species, some
trees will try to grow new leaves. Watering and fertilizing trees
with ornamental value (such as those around your house) with a mild
solution of balanced fertilizer (10-10- 10: 1/4 lb dissolved in
3 gallons of water and applied in concentric circles around tree
base, (see figure) will help trees re-grow leaves, either immediately
after the fire or the following spring. If the fire occurred in
August or later, it is best to fertilize in the fall after freezing
temperature has set in so as not to stimulate new growth that will
not have time to become frost hardy.
Stem
care and pruning
Fire blackened
tree stems can absorb too much solar radiation, causing the living
tissue under the bark to die. For trees that have ornamental value,
it may be worthwhile to try and protect stems from getting too hot
from the sun. Deciduous trees (most broadleaved trees) are most
susceptible to this because of their thin bark. An application of
lime or white latex paint on the south side of the tree will help
keep the stem cooler. No oil based or petroleum products should
be used, as they can kill the tree.
| If
your tree has survived the fire but suffered some damage, proper
pruning will help it recover more quickly. |
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| When pruning,
it is important to recognize that conifers and deciduous trees
will recover differently from fire damage. |
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