Fires are deadly forces of nature. Although we use fire for heat and cooking, an untamed flame can quickly wreak havoc on our property.

Sometimes we get lucky, and our homes or business remain safe following a fire. However, our yard might take the brunt of the fire in the process. 

A burned tree is never a good sign, and owners often wonder what they should do. Are there ways to ensure tree survival, or should you remove a fire-damaged tree altogether? 

This guide will explore possible solutions you can implement and how tree service professionals in Rocklin can help. 

What Factors Influence Tree Damage in a Fire? 

Fire damages and even kills trees, but every situation is different. Several factors influence whether you end up with dead trees or a tree that just needs some TLC. These factors include: 

• The severity of the fire
• Where the fire happened
• The time of year
• When the fire was extinguished (naturally or by another party)
• The type of tree affected
• The tree(s)’ condition before the fire

In most cases, having an arborist look at the burned tree before deciding your next course of action is wise. Even if a tree doesn’t look too damaged, an arborist might see signs that you can’t save the tree. Likewise, fire damage may look worse than it actually is. 

Solution One: Removing the Burned Tree

Sometimes, saving a tree or trying to will cost too much time and money. Therefore, your first objective is to identify potential hazardous signs indicating dangerous trees. Clues that you should remove a burned tree are: 

• 60% or more of the tree’s canopy is damaged. 
• Your tree has significant charring and cracking on its branches and primary trunk. 
• You see damage primarily concentrated in its V-shaped branches. 

These three clues typically mean you can’t save your burned tree. You should also consider the tree’s location and whether it can damage people or property below. 

For example, a burned tree next to your home or shed isn’t worth saving, even if it’s not entirely charred or leaning. Heavy winds or a fierce rainstorm could be enough to cause that tree to split or fall. 

Solution Two: Repairing Your Burned Tree

If your burned tree isn’t close enough to cause harm to your property or family, you can try saving it. The first thing to do is to keep the soil below your tree moist throughout its growing season. 

You may already water your tree, but since fire dries out a tree’s roots, you’ll need to apply extra diligence. Water slowly and even consider investing in a soaker hose. Additionally, take preventative measures to protect your tree against borer insects like beetles and sunburn. 

Solution Three: Give It Time

Aside from protecting your tree, the only other solution is to give your burned tree time to recover. Unfortunately, it’s often hard to tell if a tree will survive until spring. 

Plenty of resilient trees like Redwood and Red Ironbark Eucalyptus have sturdy bark, keeping them well-insulated and protected from fires. However, you should always call an arborist following fire damage. They can help you decide whether to remove your tree or try to save it. 

Give Us a Call Today 

Dealing with a burned tree on your property is stressful. However, contacting Ace Tree Service can make the process much easier. Let our team help you decide what to do with your burned tree. 

Learn why you need to watch out for sudden limb failure by calling Ace Tree Service at (916) 934-3204!