Experts Say Many Storm-Damaged Trees Are Salvageable

Wednesday, the experts at Professional Tree Care took a large branch off the Survivor Tree following damage from historic storms.

Officials with the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum said the plant still has plenty of life left in it, even with a major limb now gone.

Mark Bays, with Oklahoma Forestry Services, said many trees pummeled by the storm still have a chance of survival.

“If a healthy tree was going into this storm and you lost 50% of it, there is still a chance that that may come back,” Bays said.

Bays said the most important thing is to be patient with your plants.

“Don't rush into anything. Yes, get out there and if there's anything that's on your cars or overhanging or causing any kind of potential risk, those needs to be taken care of first. But there's so much time,” Bays said.

Both Bays and the Professional Tree Care experts are warning homeowners to be wary of rogue tree trimmers offering to help cut down damaged trees.

“They may not be insured. They may be from out of city. They may try to talk you into something that's really not necessary. So, we're recommending that you at least use a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture and ask for those credentials if someone comes knocking at your door,” Bays said.

Arborists can be found or verified here.