Wind storm roughs up trees

Eastern New Mexico's recent windstorms resulted in more than flying shingles and escaping hats.

Local trees had a really rough time. Conifers weren't immune but deciduous trees got the worst of it, according to local tree experts.

Steven Thomas, who calls himself a tree doctor, said many trees were lost because of uprooting caused by disease.

Clovis tree trimmer Jesse Trevino said limb breakage and uprooting can result from a tree becoming "too heavy on the top." A strong wind really likes these trees, he added.

Other tree experts in the area share the opinion that proper care will lead to fewer crashing limbs and uprooted trunks. They recommend keeping the tops of trees from getting too dense and "spidery." All it takes is cleaning out the dead branches and having the tree trimmed by a professional.

A spray is available in stores to protect cuts on the trunk that invite parasites.

Proper care includes keeping the roots healthy.

Diseased roots are the major cause of uprooted trees, said Trevino and Thomas. The source is fungi brought in by boring insects. Residents can combat this by injecting repellent into the roots. Not only can this save a tree, it just may keep a huge chunk of wood from falling on the house or that new RV in the driveway, they said.