Help for Property Owners With Wind-Damaged Trees

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University King County Extension office has put together a Web site to help homeowners and landowners cope with trees damaged or fallen as a result of last week’s major windstorm.

The site, http://king.wsu.edu/forestry/windstorm.html, provides tips on what to do, and what not to do; links to directories of certified professional arborists and consulting foresters; and advice on how to protect trees from storm damage in the future. The site includes information from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

“It’s important that landowners and homeowners do not make rash decisions about damaged trees,” said Amy Grotta, WSU King County Extension Educator. “People should learn about what the best options are to deal with hazard trees and to maintain a healthy forest.”

“You may not have to do anything if damaged or downed trees don’t pose a hazard,” she said, “but you will need professional advice to determine that.”

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