Over the weekend of March 28th, the trees of Muskoka were badly damaged by a significant ice storm. Most residents of Muskoka were left with a range of damage spanning from a few broken limbs to heavily damaged or destroyed trees. HIDEAWAYS caught up with ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, Jeremy Sayers, to get a better understanding of what comes next. Here’s what Jeremy had to tell us:
There are likely limbs that are broken and hanging from your trees. These become more likely to fall as time goes on. Also, there may be trees with damaged trunks or partially uprooted trees that could still break and fall.
Broken branches should be removed and remaining stubs should be cut back to the trunk. This will limit the amount of disease and decay that can get into the tree and cause further damage. After a storm, damaged trees should be pruned for health and safety, not appearance.
Monitoring for pests and diseases, proper watering, and fertilizer all help trees recover from stress and promote new growth.
They have to be! Individual trees that are damaged often recover. If you are unsure, it doesn’t hurt to leave a tree standing and see what it can do. Trees with up to 75% canopy loss can recover, although it may take several years. A tree’s health before the storm and its healthcare after the storm often determine whether a tree survives or declines. And last but not least, if you are in need of help, the certified arborists of Coulson Brothers Arboriculture can help.
Tree recovery from storm damage depends on species, damage severity, and aftercare. Some trees (like sugar maples and poplars) show strong recovery traits, while others (like Norway maples) are more vulnerable. Proper care—including pruning, watering, fertilizing, and structural support—greatly improves chances of survival and regrowth.
Jeremy Sayers, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist NY-1087-B
Consulting Arborist, Coulson Bros. Arboriculture
Ph: 705-764-3613 • Email: [email protected]
