Released March 3, 2008

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahomans all across the state are still dealing with the damage caused by the ice storm this winter.

In an effort to answer questions and help consumers, an entire episode of Oklahoma Gardening will be dedicated to tree damage, repair and cleanup from the storm. The show is set to air March 22 and 23.

Kim Rebek, host of Oklahoma Gardening, said the show was filmed at the Washington Irving Memorial Gardens and Arboretum in Bixby and will focus on assessing the damage, pruning and what communities can do to be prepared for another catastrophic event such as the latest ice storm.

During the filming of the episode, Rebek said they were seeing broken limbs, stripped bark and top of trees that were broken. Much of the damage may leave landowners wondering if a tree can be saved or if it simply has too much damage to survive.

“A good rule of thumb is if less than 50 percent of the crown of the tree is damaged it can be saved,” Rebek said. “Corrective pruning and good maintenance will help ensure the tree survives. Keep in mind that corrective pruning is a long-term commitment to help the tree recover.”

Many of the trees have suffered from stripped bark. Rebek said this occurs when a branch breaks off of the tree and tears off the bark.

“When the bark is stripped from a tree, especially on the trunk, it leaves the tree vulnerable to infection,” she said. “In these cases, the tree must usually be removed.”

To make the most of the damage, many communities around the state are making mulch out of the downed branches and tress that have been removed.

“This is a great natural resource for gardeners,” Rebek said. “Check with your local municipality to see if they are giving away the mulch. Another idea is to rent a chipper with a neighbor and make your own mulch from the debris in your yard. Cutting the limbs for firewood is another great use of the trees that are too damaged to survive.”

One way communities can be prepared in the event of another ice storm is to map and assess the health of trees in parks and other public areas. Record the species, size and health of the tree. Knowing the history of the trees can make it easier to decide if the tree can be saved or if it should be removed due to damage.

“Some communities are using GPS mapping for projects such as this,” she said.

One segment of the show will feature the Black Walnut Champion Tree. Oklahoma Forestry Services and the Oklahoma Forestry Association maintain records on the largest specimens of many of Oklahoma’s tree species.

“This particular black walnut tree is probably two hundred to three hundred years old,” Rebek said. “This tree shows that with proper care, longevity is possible.”

Oklahoma Gardening airs at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays on local OETA stations. The program is produced by the OSU Cooperative Extension Service through the department of horticulture and landscape architecture and Agricultural Communications Services. The department is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

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http://www2.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/trisha.gedon-40okstate.edu/oklahoma-gardening-devotes-entire-episode-to-ice-storm-damage

Contact: Trisha Gedon, (405) 744-3625, trisha.gedon@okstate.edu