Trees & Flooding

It is important in the initial days of a flooding event to act. After a flood, there are things you can do to reduce safety hazards caused by downed and damaged trees and protect the trees still standing.

Before you start

• Look up! Stay away from trees that are within 10 feet of or touching power lines. Call your local electric utility to report it.  
• Call 811 before you dig. Make sure the soil is stable enough to withstand heavy machinery. 

• Do not move fallen trees along riverbanks as they help stabilize banks and slow water flow, while providing protection for new vegetation growth.   

• If you decide to remove your trees, use fully insured contractors. If you decide to keep your trees or need help assessing tree damage, hire an ISA Certified Arborist. Document tree damage and loss by periodically photographing your trees. This is beneficial for future insurance and tax purposes. 
• If you have oak trees, work to prevent the spread of oak wilt during your cleanup process.   

Safety first

• Watch for downed trees across roads, homes, and bridges.  
• If your tree is a safety risk, prune the damaged or broken limbs or have the tree removed entirely.
• Look for root plate shifting. If a mature tree is leaning more than 30 degrees or has uprooted with more than three inches of its roots exposed, it should be assessed by a Certified Arborist for possible removal. Do not try to stand the tree up or stake it in place. 

Protect remaining trees & water

• Do not fell trees or push woody debris into streams or rivers. 
• Minimize soil disturbance. Put down six to eight inches of mulch before heavy equipment operates over root systems—a layer of plywood on the mulch adds extra protection. Spread the mulch out after the work is completed. No more than two to three inches deep. 

• Treat standing trees for bark loss within 5–7 days of damage. Bark damage from cars will have similar treatments. Remove deposited soil that has accumulated under the tree canopy to prevent further damage to root systems. If possible, aerate the soil. Perforate with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots while being careful not to damage tree roots.  

• Prune ends off broken branches. Paint all wounds on oak trees. Restoration pruning will be needed over the next five to 10 years. 
• Locate burn piles at least 50–100 feet from trees and riparian areas.