Restoring Your Landscape After Hurricane Helene: We're Here to Help

Hurricane Helene came through our area like a tornado, uprooting not only trees but our lives as well. Our hearts go out to everyone who was affected by the storm. Seeing our community come together to support one another in the aftermath has been truly heartwarming, and we hope everyone stays safe and has their power restored soon so we can all begin to move forward.

As we begin the cleanup process, many of our yards are filled with downed trees and damaged shrubs. While some plants may be beyond saving, there’s hope for others, and we’re here to help guide you through the recovery. Even trees and shrubs that didn’t fall over could still be at risk of long-term damage. Here’s what to look for when inspecting your landscape.

1. Check the Roots

   - Look for Uplifted or Exposed Roots: Even if a tree didn’t fall, strong winds may have partially uprooted it, which can cause instability.

   - Soil Cracks: Cracks in the soil around the base of the tree may indicate that the roots have shifted.

   - Lean: If the tree is leaning slightly, it might have suffered damage to its root system and could eventually fall.

2. Inspect the Trunk

   - Cracks and Splits: Check for vertical cracks or splits in the trunk, which can weaken the tree’s structure.

   - Wounds: Look for areas where bark has been stripped away, as this can make the tree more susceptible to disease and pests.

   - Hollow Sounds: Tap the trunk lightly; a hollow sound may indicate internal damage or decay that has been exacerbated by the storm.

3. Examine Branches

   - Broken or Hanging Limbs: Look for branches that are cracked, broken, or hanging loosely. These pose a risk of falling later and should be pruned immediately.

   - Dead or Stripped Leaves: If branches have lost a lot of leaves or they appear discolored, the branch may be stressed or damaged.

   - Check for Splits Where Branches Join the Trunk: These weak spots may be difficult to see but can cause branches to snap off under stress.

4. Assess Foliage

   - Defoliation: Heavy winds can strip trees of leaves. While this may not be immediately life-threatening, it can stress the plant.

5. Shrubs

   - Leaning or Uprooted: Smaller shrubs may not fall over completely, but if they’ve shifted in the soil or have exposed roots, they may need to be replanted or staked.

   - Broken Stems: Like trees, shrubs can suffer from broken or split branches. Prune these areas to prevent disease.

   - Wilted or Brown Leaves: Wilted foliage may indicate root damage, especially if the roots were waterlogged or partially torn.

6. Structural Integrity

   - Support Stakes: If trees were previously staked, check if the stakes are still providing support or if they’ve been loosened or damaged.

   - Trunk Scarring: Look for abrasions caused by flying debris, which can open the tree up to disease.

What to Address:

- Immediate Pruning: Remove any broken, hanging, or dead branches to prevent further damage or injury.

- Re-stake or Replant Leaning Trees/Shrubs: For trees that have shifted, proper staking may help stabilize them until the roots can re-establish.

- Root and Soil Care: Water deeply and mulch around the base to encourage root recovery, especially if the roots were disturbed or exposed.

- Watch for Pests and Disease: Storm-damaged trees are more susceptible to pests and fungal infections, so monitor them closely in the coming weeks.

By addressing these issues, you can improve the chances of your trees and shrubs recovering fully after the storm.

Helping Your Landscape Recover with Care

For trees and shrubs that have shifted but remain standing, it’s important to give them the support they need before winter arrives. Applying a high-potassium, low-nitrogen fertilizer will help strengthen their root systems. Our "I Can’t Believe It’s Chicken Manure" compost is perfect for this, acting as both a top dressing and mulch as your plants prepare for the dormant season.

If you’re unsure about your landscape, we’re here for you. Feel free to email Chris Clement at chris.clement@coldcreek.net for personalized advice. Photos are always helpful, and you’re welcome to visit our store to speak with one of our team members in person.

Professional Help Available

If your yard needs more than just advice, we’re ready to step in. To assist with the extensive cleanup after Helene, we’ve expanded our team and fleet for timely tree removal and yard cleanup services. With a 24-hour response time, we’re committed to getting your landscape back on track as quickly as possible.

To schedule a cleanup or tree removal, email Chris Clement at chris.clement@coldcreek.net with your name, address, phone number, and details of whether you need tree removal, yard cleanup, or both.

We're In This Together

As we look around at the damage left behind, it’s clear that our community has been through a lot. But it’s also clear that we’re resilient and capable of overcoming these challenges together. We may have lost trees, but we haven’t lost hope. And just as we’ve come together to help one another through the storm, we’ll continue to work together to rebuild and restore our beautiful landscape. At Cold Creek Nurseries, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Together, we will heal and grow stronger.