9 Effective Tree Care Tips for Recovery After Firework Exposure

The new year has begun, but the aftermath of all the celebrations is still evident in the surroundings, especially in the trees. If you can observe the trees in your surroundings, you can see that they’ve residue of smoke, burns, and sand due to the fireworks. And just like humans, trees also need time to cope. They may look like they have hangovers, but unlike humans, they didn’t do it to themselves. So, when it’s time to recover, you should also give them a hand.

Helping trees recover from the damages they’ve obtained from the New Year celebrations and fireworks requires constant care and proper attention. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to get started.

1. Evaluate the Damage

The first thing you should do is assess the damage. If you have trees around, you should check them individually for physical damage, debris, and fire exposure. You can take photos and note the damages you’ve observed per tree.

Once you’re aware of the level of damage the trees have obtained, the next is to take the necessary steps. If the trees are suffering from serious damage, you should immediately contact an arborist to conduct the necessary procedures. On the other hand, if it’s not that serious, you can proceed with the normal way of helping them to become healthy again.

2. Remove Debris Carefully

If you notice some firework debris, including other types of garbage, such as plastics and paper, ensure to remove them. In doing so, avoid using sharp tools that can harm the tree further. In addition, refrain from climbing the trees, as they might be suffering from weak branches. As a result, you can damage both the trees and yourself.

Unfortunately, if you have a fallen tree, you can either cut it into smaller pieces or ask an arborist to do it for you. Ensure that you have the right tools and equipment if you’re planning to do it on your own.

3. Prune Damaged and Weak Branches

If you notice a few weak or broken branches, it’s time to prune the trees. Whether the neighbours or your family members forgot to stay away from the trees while lighting a few fireworks, they might’ve still damaged the tree branches. And to avoid further problems, it’s better to cut them as soon as possible, before they can further damage properties and individuals.

4. Irrigate the Tree

After all the stress the trees have experienced, they need to rehydrate. Ensure that when you irrigate the trees, the water should reach its roots. At the same time, add some mulch to lock in the moisture, and regulate the soil temperature.

However, when adding mulch, keep it away a few inches from the trunk to avoid rotting, and pest infestation.

5. Fertilise Wisely

Although adding fertiliser can be a good thing, it’s not recommended immediately after exposure to fireworks. Give the tree a few weeks to regain its health and gradually apply the necessary amount of fertiliser.

But before putting fertiliser, ensure that the soil is well-drained, and properly input the fertiliser to support the further recovery and growth of the trees.

6. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Aside from looking out for debris and branches, you should also check the trees for pests and diseases. Unhealthy trees, especially those that have undergone stress are vulnerable to pests and diseases. So, before it’s too late, make sure to check them for signs of infestations.

Meanwhile, if you’re not familiar with the early signs of infestations in trees, you can hire an arborist to guide you.

7. Protect the Tree’s Root Zone

In some cases, you might think you’re helping trees to recover, but you don’t, especially if you don’t know how to protect the tree’s root zone. If many people had visited your area during New Year’s, there might’ve been busy foot traffic near the trees that resulted in the soil around the root zone. This instance may have contributed to the stress that the trees felt, including the damage from fireworks. If this happens, be sure to aerate the soil around the tree, and give it enough water.

8. Seek Professional Help

Seeking professional help is essential, especially if you’re not familiar with the damage you’re dealing with. For instance, if there are parts of a tree that have been burned due to fireworks, let the arborist decide how they’re going to deal with it. Besides, aside from cutting, they can also add braces or cables to save the tree.

9. Plan for Future Celebrations

If you find it hard to deal with the aftermath of trees getting exposed to fireworks, planning for future celebrations is the key. If you’re having fireworks in future celebrations, ensure to light them where no trees or plants are being affected.

In addition, you can create a specialised zone where fireworks should be lit up, and surround it with non-flammable materials. That way, even if things get out of hand, you can still ensure the safety of everyone, and the surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Trees can still recover from the damage from fireworks, but ensure to allot enough time and effort. By considering the tips given in this article, you can protect and ensure the health of trees in your area.

Let us know if you have more tips for making sure trees can recover after firework exposure by commenting below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Sydney Tree Solutions, a company that provides tree removal and arborist services throughout Sydney. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that help readers make the right choice.