LITTLE ROCK - Broken limbs or leaning trees that missed power lines, homes and other property during a day of freezing drizzle may should be treated with caution, says Dr. Tamara Walkingstick, extension forestry specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Broken limbs or fallen trunks from ice-crusted trees cut power to about 11,000 thousand Arkansas Entergy customers Monday and Tuesday. The National Weather Service said rainfall amounts for the 24-hour period ending 6:30 a.m. Tuesday ranged from trace amounts at Fayetteville to 1.36 inches at Pine Bluff. State police attributed one traffic fatality Tuesday morning to icy conditions.

"Before handling any downed limbs or trees, be sure any electrical issues have been cleared up and the branches are well clear of any powerlines," she said.

Storm damage to landscape trees ranged from relatively minor damage with only the smallest branches being injured to splitting of the trunk and uprooting of the tree. 

"While minor injuries seldom result in permanent damage to the tree, severe injuries can increase a tree's susceptibility to insect and disease attack, ultimately killing the tree," she said. "Damage to landscape trees should therefore be properly treated and repaired to maintain the health of the tree."

Seriously damaged trees may require the work of a professional tree service.

"Consult a tree specialist if removal of large branches is required, especially if extensive bracing or cabling of those branches is required," Walkingstick said. "As always, never try to remove branches or trees from utility lines. That’s a job for the professionals." 

Provided they are not overhanging homes, cars, or other valuable properties, there are trees that can wait for attention and include:

• Trees with broken tops, which still have four or more live limbs remaining 
• Trees leaning less than 45 degrees 
• Windblown trees with roots still in the ground
• Young trees that are bent will often straighten by themselves

For detailed information about ice-damaged trees, visit www.arnatural.org/forestry/Ice_Damage/picking_up_after_the_storm.htm, or contact your county Extension office, the Arkansas Forest Commission, and the Arkansas Forestry Association.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.