Many of the damaged trees will eventually straighten and continue to grow and will develop into good trees, he said in a press release. AFC foresters report ice-damaged trees all over the state, with the most significant damage occurring in southern Arkansas in pine plantations thinned in the last two or three years. Damage to hardwood timber generally is not as severe as the damage to pine. Landowners most likely will have to re-establish stands with extensive breakage or uprooting, according to the forestry commission. After completing an evaluation of a damaged area, salvage efforts should begin as soon as possible where markets are available, it recommends.
Young trees are more likely to completely recover than older trees.
Research indicates trees bent at an angle of 40 degrees from vertical can be expected to completely recover, the forestry commission said. Trees bent from 40 to 50 degrees from vertical will recover, but will have varying amounts of crook and sweep. Trees bent more than 60 degrees did not recover enough to make acceptable crop trees. According to research and general observations, less-damaged stands may recover completely within two or three years, the forestry commission said. Landowners may be able to claim a casualty loss for ice-damaged timber.