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Tree stands in 120 mph winds

treeThis tree will be easier to restore than many trees because it began with a good structure. The small diameter branches on trees with a dominant leader structure broke a good way out from the trunk. This kept the trunk and the branch unions intact. The restoration process seeks to encourage good structure mostly by guiding growth toward the center of the tree.

tree canopyTreatment: First the canopy was cleaned by removing dead branches and reducing broken branches back to lateral branches were possible. The large broken branch on the left side of the canopy shown in the photo below can be removed back to the trunk or preferable back to a live lateral branch. Sprouts can be managed beginning in a year or two to encourage good structure. This process will require several prunings over a period of five years or more. (See: Details of sprout management)