20 | Summer 2019
Save a Tree: How to Bring a Broken Tree Back from the Grave WRITT E N BY MARK
ANDERSON owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden
EVERY YEAR, either snow or wind create a lot of damage in early spring by breaking branches or downing whole trees. Two years ago, during the first part of May, a late snowstorm hit Cache Valley and caused damage to trees that had just fully leafed for spring. One of those trees was my four-yearold, nine-foot-tall Royal Red maple, and, as you can see from the damage (in the photo on the top of the next page), it looked pretty hopeless. The trunk had split and splintered approximately 75 percent of the way through, and there was only about two inches of bark still attached to the root system. The rest of the tree was laying horizontally on the ground — a less than desirable position for most trees. Was it worth trying to save? To me, that tree was invaluable, as it had already survived two deer assaults and some difficult
soil. I had to try and save it. Plus, I had done this before, almost 20 years ago, and knew I had better than a 50/50 chance of bringing it back. I’m a sucker for lost causes! If you find yourself in the same situation, you have to decide if it’s worth trying to save, but hopefully my story and process will inspire you to try and save your special tree, too. Here’s what I did: First, I assessed whether the damage could be put back together successfully. Despite the splintered, jagged trunk, I was able to put the two halves of the tree back together without much trouble, carefully avoiding causing any more damage to the bark and tissue that was still intact. All the pieces were present and fit back together like
Perk up stressed and struggling plants with Compost Tea!
2019
2019
NET CONTEN
TS 1 Gallon
NET CONTENTS
(3.78L)
L)
1 Gallon (3.78
Buy a 1 gallon ($10.99) or 2.5 gallon ($27.50) container of compost tea and refill for free all summer long (through August 15).
Anderson’s Seed and Garden 69 West Center, Logan • 435-752-2345