With the recent storm that came through the Fox Valley, damage to trees and shrubs has been immeasurable due to wind, hail and other debris damage. It can be difficult to assess what to do in the aftermath, here are a few things to keep in mind when triaging your yard:
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Safety first. Look for obvious hazards to people or property, and utilities. Do not approach trees near utility lines. Damaged trees are often unbalanced and can become hazardous quickly. This is especially true if the tree was in poor health prior to the storm event, as wood could be especially brittle and break more easily. Fallen trees and branches are under extreme force and will quickly be unbalanced creating the potential for injury.
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Damage to large branches or the trunk of the tree is usually fatal, and the plant should be removed. This includes splitting or bark removal on over a third of the trunk circumference of the tree. If over 30 -50 % of the branches and trunk are severely broken it is unlikely the tree will recover. Broken side branches or topping injuries do not typically put the tree at risk. Trees that have been uprooted or tipped should almost always be removed, as most of the time a significant part of the root system is severed and will have extensive damage.
- A disfigured tree may be able to be saved, but the extensive wounding is likely to reduce the lifespan of the tree. Trees do not “heal” like a human does, they only grow new tissue over old wounds. The wound point will always be within the tree and will be a weak spot. Tree wounds and cuts make them more vulnerable to insect and disease pressure, especially during the active growing season.
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If limited damage, try to clean up the wound by making even cuts and remove any bark or branches that are ripping, jagged or uneven. Do not use any kind of wound tar or paint, this can slow down the tree closing the wounds. With larger trees and shrubs, you will likely need to contact a certified arborist to have the plants properly removed or salvaged.
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After a storm, proper plant maintenance is critical. Prevent improper pruning such as topping or heading back as these can weaken the tree structure. Support plants with proper water and fertilizer to promote overall tree health and alleviate stress.
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Using produce from a storm flooded garden
Trying to figure out what can be salvaged out of a storm ridden vegetable garden can be frustrating. Use the tips below to make the most of your remaining produce:
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Discard all produce that is generally served raw, this includes most leafy greens and soft fruits such as berries and melons.
- Examine produce closely for cracks, bruises, or open wounds that contamination may have entered. Discard if found.
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Root vegetables that are still early in their growth (at least four to eight weeks from harvest) should be safe if allowed to grow to maturity. Root crops (i.e. new potatoes) that will be consumed within a month after flooding should be washed, rinsed and sanitized before cooking.
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Produce should be cooked to ensure safety. The cooking process reduces the microbial food borne illness risk, however will not eliminate the risk of industrial pollutants. Note- Do not preserve food that is unfit for eating.
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Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: FOUNDATIONS IN GARDENING
Sept. 6-Dec. 12, 2026 | 100% Online | Self-Paced |
Early Bird registration is officially open! Take the next step to become a more successful gardener by learning practical gardening skills and techniques and the science behind why they work.
Foundations in Gardening covers a wide range of topics, including:
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- General Gardening Practices
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Integrated Pest Management
- Soils
- Botany
- Insects
- Plant Diseases
- Wildlife
- Weeds
- Herbaceous and Woody Ornamentals
- Houseplants and Container Gardening
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lawns
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Early Bird registration rates are valid from now until Aug. 9. Course registration closes Aug. 24, 2026, or when course reaches capacity.
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Join us to learn about tree biology and the standards of care that have been developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to help get trees off to a great start, led by Rich Hauer, Director of Urban Forestry at Eocene Environmental Group. We will build on the biology to discuss tree pruning and planting methods to optimize tree health.
This daylong workshop begins with a morning classroom session covering:
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Biological Basis of Tree Action: Terms, Technology and Standards of Care
- Best Management Practices: Tree Planting, Growth and Longevity
- Proper Tree Pruning
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After lunch, we head outside and put what you learned in the morning into practice. A planting demonstration will be followed by steps for structural pruning and then we’ll talk about site evaluation and safety. We will finish the day by looking at a variety of tree samples to illustrate how trees respond to human and natural influences.
The cost of the workshop is $70 per person and includes lunch.
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Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
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| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
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