Fire-Damaged Trees: A Guide to What to Do and What Not to Do

Wildfires have a profound impact, destroying homes, landscapes, and the trees that provide shade, beauty, and stability. As recovery begins, fire-damaged trees deserve careful attention - they are essential for managing soil, reducing heat, and symbolizing resilience. At Align Tree Management, we’re here to guide you on what to do, what not to do, and where to find support for recovering your trees after a wildfire.

What Not to Do with Fire-Damaged Trees:

1. Don’t Remove Trees Prematurely:

   • Avoid rushing to remove trees. Watch for signs of new growth, which can take weeks for palms and months for other species.

2. Don’t Prune Excessively:

   • Only remove hazardous branches initially. Avoid unnecessary pruning, which can stress the tree further.

3. Don’t Fertilize Immediately:

   • Fire-damaged trees need time to regenerate naturally. Fertilizer can harm stressed trees. Base future applications on soil tests and arborist recommendations.

4. Don’t Allow Soil Compaction:

   • Protect the root zone by keeping vehicles and heavy equipment off the soil to maintain aeration and health.

What to Do with Fire-Damaged Trees:

1. Inspect and Assess:

   • Hire an ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate tree health and structural stability. Remove hazardous branches but allow trees time to show recovery before making removal decisions.

2. Understand Recovery by Tree Type:

   • Conifers (e.g., pines): Rarely recover if severely damaged.

   • Broadleaf trees: May sprout new foliage from dormant buds in bark or roots.

   • Palm trees: Can recover if the heart bud (center of the trunk) remains intact.

3. Water the Soil:

   • Water consistently, but avoid overwatering. Address hydrophobic soil by raking lightly and checking moisture levels.

4. Use Mulch:

   • Apply wood chip mulch to retain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and shield roots from heat.

5. Monitor New Growth:

   • Watch for shoots on branches or the trunk base. Retain healthy shoots and consult an arborist to determine the best pruning strategy.

6. Protect the Root Zone:

   • Use temporary fencing or plywood layered over mulch to prevent soil compaction during recovery efforts.

Why Save Fire-Damaged Trees?

1. Environmental Benefits:

   • Trees reduce soil erosion, improve air quality, and provide shade that mitigates urban heat.

2. Economic Benefits:

   • Healthy trees reduce energy costs, increase property value, and save money on stormwater and erosion management.

3. Emotional and Aesthetic Value:

   • Trees symbolize resilience and recovery, offering beauty and comfort after devastation.

Resources for Wildfire Recovery and Tree Care

For additional support and expert guidance, explore these resources:

• The Britton Fund:

  • Educational resources for arborists and property owners.

  • www.thebrittonfund.org

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA):

  • Find certified arborists in your area.

  • www.treesaregood.org

• American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA):

  • Access to Registered Consulting Arborists for advanced tree care.

  • www.asca-consultants.org

• California Urban Forests Council:

  • Resources for urban tree care and wildfire recovery.

  • www.caufc.org

• California ReLeaf:

  • Advocacy and support for urban forests in California.

  • www.californiareleaf.org

• Local Assistance:

  • Check municipal and county websites for wildfire recovery programs, debris removal guidance, and emergency grants.

How Align Tree Management Can Help:

Our team of ISA Certified Arborists and Registered Consulting Arborists can help with assessing fire-damaged trees, providing tailored recovery strategies, and protecting your property’s long-term value.

If your property has been impacted by wildfire, don’t wait to act. Contact Align Tree Management today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Together, we can restore your trees and landscape.