March 8 COVID-19 Update: 1 Fatality, 4 New Cases, 170 Active Cases
Hopkins County’s COVID-19 new case counts have gone down as has the total number of patients in the COVID-19 unit in the area, across the region and state, as have the number of individuals being tested daily, while the number of people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations have increased, according to Texas Department of State Health Services’ March 8 COVID-19 reports. Unfortunately, five additional COVID-19 deaths have also been confirmed in the last week, including one death reported to have occurred on Tuesday, March 2.
COVID-19 Case Counts
As of Monday, March 8, a total of 2,951 COVID-19 cases have been reported: 1,527 confirmed by molecular testing and 1,424 probable cases, that is cases among individuals who have either tested positive through an antigen test or have a combination of symptoms and a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 without a more likely diagnosis. Three new molecular cases were reported Monday, and 16 so far this month. Two probable new cases have been reported so far this week, one each on Sunday and Monday, and 15 probable cases so far this month.
The number of COVID-19 recoveries is currently keeping pace with confirmed new cases, with 16 Hopkins County COVID-19 patients reported to have recovered so far this month, including four on Sunday and two on Monday, according to the March 8 COVID-19 Case Counts dashboard.
Five COVID-19 fatalities have also been announced this month, all except one occurring in February. That increases the total number of Hopkins County residents confirmed by death certificate to have died as a direct of COVID-19 since last March to 105, including five reported to have occurred in February, down from 15 confirmed for January 26 and 6 in December. The latest confirmed COVID-19 death occurred on March 2, according to the DSHS March 8 COVID-19 County Trends dashboard.
That leaves 170 active COVID-19 cases of COVID-19 among Hopkins County residents as of midafternoon March 8, up from 167 on Sunday and March 1, but still below the 173 reported March 2, 175 last Wednesday and Thursday, and 171 on Friday.
Hospital and Testing Data
The patient count in the COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs continues to be a single digit number for a week. The local hospital was reported to have six patients in the COVID-19 Unit Monday, the same as on Thursday, but one more than on Friday. Last week, CMFH-SS started with a case count of 10 in the COVID unit, but has remained below that mark ever since. In fact, the case count has been cut in half in each of the last two months. During the first eight days of January CMFHSS’ COVID-19 patient counts ranged from 29 to 32. The COVID unit patient count ranged from 10-14 Feb. 1-8.
This reflects a state trend over the past couple of months of fewer people being hospitalized for COVID-19. On Jan. 1, a total of 12,319 COVID-19 patients were being treated in Texas hospitals, including 204 cases in Trauma Service Area F (which includes most of Northeast Texas north and eastward to the state line). On Feb. 1, a total of 11,002 COVID-19 patients were reported to be in Texas hospitals, with 143 of those lab-confirmed novel coronavirus 2019 cases from TSA F. On March 1, Texas had 5,644 COVID-19 hospital patients, including 65 patients in TSA F hospitals. As of Sunday, the COVID-19 hospital patient count had decreased to 4,329, including 41 patients in TSA F hospitals.
From March 1-7, a total of 129 molecular COVID-19 tests had been performed at the free testing site in Sulphur Springs. From Feb. 1-7, 420 oral swab tests were performed, down from 668 tests conducted Jan. 1-7 and 531 tests performed at the free testing site from Dec. 1-7. Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials, in the March 8 COVID-19 update, showed a cumulative total of 9,856 COVID-19 cases have been performed at the free testing site since the facility opened in the fall.
Free oral swab COVID-19 testing has been extended through the month of March in Sulphur Springs. Testing is typically offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays inside the Red Cross (old Fidelity Express) building in Sulphur Springs. Free molecular COVID-19 testing is open to anyone regardless of age or address. However, registration is required online at www.GoGetTested.com in order to be tested at 128-A Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs.
According to the DSHS March 8 COVID-19 Hospital and Test Data dashboard, 15,643 molecular tests have been conducted in Hopkins County since last March, including 26 on Sunday. Since the state began tracking the data, 2,758 antigen tests have been conducted in Hopkins County, including 33 tests on Sunday, and 1,828 antibody tests. Overall, that’s 20,229 COVID-19 tests conducted in Hopkins County and reported to DSHS.
Vaccine Data
As of Sunday, March 7, a total 5,985 Hopkins County residents had received at least one dose of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccines available for people in approved groups, including 2,375 county residents who have been fully vaccinated with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, leaving 3,610 residents who were still awaiting the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. That’s up from 1,925 who’d received one dose and 420 both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 7, and 377 one-dose and 2 who’d been fully vaccinated for COVID on Jan. 7.
In addition to the race and gender breakdown reported on the DSHS March 8 COVID-19 Vaccine Data dashboard, DSHS also is now reporting the number of individuals vaccinated for COVID-19 by Zip Code. A total of 1,227 Sulphur Springs residents (1,196 in the 75482 Zip Code and 65 in the 75483 Zip Codes) had been fully vaccinated. Among those fully vaccinated elsewhere in the county are residents in the following Hopkins County Communities: Brashear (75420) 82, Como (75431) 83, Cumby (75433) 109, Dike ( 75437) 60, Pickton (75471) 54, Saltillo (75478) 63 and Sulphur Bluff (75481) 42. There are some Hopkins County residents who have Winnsboro and Yantis addresses. A total of 339Yantis residents with a 75497 Zip Code have been fully vaccinated and 596 in Winnsboro had received both doses of the vaccine, according to the DSHS March 8 COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Data by ZIP Code report.
| Town by Zip Code | Fully Vaccinated | Receiving 1 Dose | Total Doses Administered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Springs 75482 | 1,196 | 2,879 | 4,653 |
| Sulphur Springs 75483 | 65 | 90 | 153 |
| Brashear 75420 | 82 | 134 | 213 |
| Como 75431 | 83 | 146 | 229 |
| Cumby 75433 | 109 | 299 | 444 |
| Dike 75437 | 60 | 109 | 159 |
| Pickton 75471 | 54 | 101 | 155 |
| Saltillo 75478 | 63 | 100 | 163 |
| Sulphur Bluff 75481 | 42 | 62 | 104 |
| Winnsboro 75494 | 596 | 1132 | 1726 |
| Yantis 75497 | 339 | 644 | 983 |
There’s good news for Hopkins County: Texas Department of State Health Services has allocated 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Hopkins County providers for Week 13 of distribution. This week (March 8) Brookshire’s Pharmacy and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic-Sulphur Springs have been allocated 100 doses each of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, which only requires 1 dose. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs was also allocated 300 first doses of the two-dose Moderna vaccine. That means 200 more will be fully vaccinated as soon as the J&J vaccines arrive and providers can schedule appointments for the shots, and 300 additional people can begin the vaccine process, potentially this week. These are in addition to the 200 doses scheduled to arrive this week to serve as as second dose of the vaccine. That’s the potential for 400 to become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 this week in Hopkins County. Some have opted instead of being placed on long waiting lists to drive to other counties that have large hubs or have received considerably more doses of the virus in the past couple of months.
People can find more information on COVID-19 vaccine at dshs.texas.gov/covidvaccine/.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine data:
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – March 1-7, 2021
The Winnsboro Police Department media report for the week of March 1-7, 2021, included the following activity:
Arrests
- Erin Martel, 31 years of age, of Winnsboro was arrested on 3/2/2021 on a Hopkins County warrant.
- Nathan Hart, 33 years of age, of Leesburg, was arrested on 3/4/2021 on an Austin Parole Board warrant for violation of probation.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 129 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 27 citations and 36 warnings during this reporting period.
Sulphur Springs Woman Jailed For The Second Time In Less Than A Month
On Saturday, a 37-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was jailed for the second time in less a month on a controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Fite reported stopping a silver Ford Fusion just before 4 a.m. Saturday, March 6, on East Industrial Drive for multiple traffic violations. Fite noted the woman failed to make eye contact with him, displayed signs of nervousness when spoken to and seemed very distraught. She reportedly admitted to the deputy that she’d been arrested a few weeks ago.
When she refused to let the deputy search her car, he had her step out and contacted Sulphur Springs Police Officer Buddy Williams and had him bring K-9 Kilo to the location. The police dog gave a positive alert for contraband while conducting a free air sniff search around the car.
A probable cause search of the 2014 vehicle revealed a plastic sack with a crystal-like substance that later tested positive as 0.65 grams of methamphetamine in her purse. Consequently, Smith, who is also known as Jessica Vanlandingham, was arrested on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. The 37-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
The prior arrest Smith referred to occurred on Feb. 12 and was for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports. She was released from jail later Feb. 12 on a $10,000 bond on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Wildcat Defensive Lineman D’Andre Peoples Signs to Play Football at McPherson College in Kansas
Wildcats Defensive Lineman D’Andre Peoples signed a letter of intent Friday, March 5 to attend McPherson College in Kansas and to play football. Peoples, the son of Tony Reed and Lolitha Peoples, was a three year member of the Wildcats varsity football team.
Peoples said he made contact with McPherson coaches through Twitter. He said he filled out a questionnaire and was contacted about a week later concerning a possible visit. Peoples said the visit went well.
He said McPherson likes his technique as well as his speed and strength. He said they believe in him. Peoples said he is aware that the school is seven hours away and he knows it can get cold up there. He said McPherson is interested in him as a defensive lineman.
Peoples said he will need to bulk up but he said he wants to get stronger while maintaining his speed. He said he expects to get homesick some but he adds his friend Somjai Pryor is expected to be about an hour away.
Peoples said he wants to major in business. He said he loves clothes and wants to be involved with developing a clothing line that is not only stylish but also affordable.
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra said Peoples is an amazing athlete. He said Peoples has a very fast first step and gets off the ball very quickly. Coach Guerra said he expects Peoples to do a good job for McPherson.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Commerce Tigers Take First at Track Meet
The Commerce Tigers track team won their most recent track meet, placing first with a point total of 232.
Anton Stapleton was 1st in shot-put, with Omarhi Davis placing 3rd and Jayston Jones following in 4th. For the Tigers Omarhi Davis was 1st in discus, followed closely by Roy Gaffney in 3rd. Omarhi Davis won the long-jump, coming in 1st at 19’8, and Izzacc Simon finished 6th. While no Tigers won the long jump event, Ashton Seale got silver at 36’11 with Carlos Aubrey following in 3rd. In high jump Dre Gadlin placed 3rd.
The Commerce Tigers took all top-3 spots in the 3200 M run, with Oliver Roberts taking 1st at 11:15, Jovani Castanada placed second, and Sacramento Galvan finished third. The Tigers team of Ashton Seale, Izzacc Simon, Carlos Aubrey, and Da’Shawn Jackson placed second in the 4x100M relay.
Enrique Morales won the 800-meter run at 2:15. Isaac Hernandez and Jonathan Marquez finished with 2:18 and 2:21, respectively. Dre Gadlin finished 2nd in the 100M hurdles at 18.93. Ashton Seale and Omarhi Davis fared well in the 100-meter dash, placing fourth and fifth, respectively.
The Commerce Tigers team of Ashton Seale, Izzacc Simon, Edgar Castillo, De’shawn Jackson finished third in the 4×200 M relay at 1:37. Enrique Morales took silver in the 400-meter dash at 55.73, followed by Isaac Hernandez in 3rd at 57.0
In the 300M Hurdles, Dre Gadlin finished first. Edgar Castillo placed 5th in the 200M dash. Oliver Roberts was 1st in the 1600M run, followed by Jovani Castanada in 2nd. In the 4X400M Relay, the Tigers team of Dre Gadlin, Jonathan Marquez, Enrique Morales, Oliver Roberts placed second.
The JV Boys won 1st as well, with a point total of 201.
62-Year-Old Man Jailed After Bond Revoked On Indecency Charges
A 62-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Sunday after his bond was revoked on two indecency with a child charges, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Dennis Findley investigated Christopher Lee Vail after receiving allegations in September alleging indecency with a child. Vail agreed to be interview viewed by Findley at the sheriff’s offices, and was transported there by officials, Findley and Deputy Chris Baumann alleged in arrest reports.
Due to information obtained during the September interview, Findley filed for arrest warrants. The warrants were executed at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, by Baumann at the sheriff’s office. Vail was escorted into jail by Baumann. Vail was booked into jail that evening on two felony indecency with a child charges, the deputy noted in arrest reports. Vail was released from jail Feb. 22, 2021 on a $75,000 bond on one charge and a $50,000 on the second, according to jail reports.
On March 7, 2021, Vail was taken into custody again after his bond was revoked on the charge, according to j ail reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail at midday Monday, March 8, 2021, according to jail reports.
Cumby Woman Accused Of Throwing Knife During Altercation With Her Stepdaughter
A Cumby woman was accused of displaying two knives and throwing one of them during an altercation with her stepdaughter Sunday afternoon, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender responded just before 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 7, to what was reported to dispatchers as a disturbance with an assault in progress at a FM 285 south residence. Upon arrival, Lavender reported contacting multiple people at the location, including Norma Lilia Nunez.
During the investigation, Nunez was alleged to have been involved in the altercation with her stepdaughter, displaying two knives during the altercation. The 42-year-old Cumby woman also was accused of throwing one of the knives at her stepdaughter during the altercation.
Nunez admitted to having two knives in her hand at the time of the altercation with her stepdaughter and to throwing one of them onto the ground in front of her. Deputies observed a knife on the ground close to sunglasses the stepdaughter was reported to have been wearing during the altercation.
Nunez was arrested just after 5 p.m. March 7, 2021, and booked into jail on an aggravated assault of a family, date or household member with a deadly weapon charge. She remained in Hopkins County jail Monday afternoon, March 8. Bond on the first-degree felony charge was set at $30,000.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Texas A&M System COVID-19 Protocols For Rest Of Semester
The Texas A&M System COVID-19 COVID-19 protocols will remain in place for the final 6-8 weeks of the spring 2021 semester at all Texas A&M System institutions, according to John Sharp, Chancellor for the The Texas A&M University System.
Sharp cited the “amazing job” the Texas A&M System institutions have done over the last year in response to the pandemic and protecting the health of our faculty, staff and students. Thus, A&M system members should continue to the, “Guidance for Spring Semester of 2021 and Related Issues” issued in October 2020 regarding testing, face coverings, classes, physical distancing, occupancy limitations, co-curricular activities, among other matters through the end of the spring semester.
“Based on our assessment of current conditions, this step will help us successfully complete the semester and is consistent with Gov. Greg Abbott’s order that masking and other protocols should be decided by our institutions, not by the state. At the conclusion of the spring semester, we anticipate System guidance being lifted so that all rules, procedures and practices regarding classes, travel, face coverings, testing, etc., will be determined locally at your institution informed by your conditions and reviewed by the System. The System may provide additional guidance this semester or going forward, as conditions warrant,” Sharp noted in a recent new release regarding COVID-19 protocols throughout the Texas A&M System.
These A&M System COVID-19 protocols apply to the entire system, including the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus.
At 8:08 a.m. Monday, March 8, Texas A&M University -Commerce had 41 students and six employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating; that’s two additional students who have tested positive since the last update by the university. Two students and one employee have also been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are quarantined; that’s one more student and one employee exposed since the last report, TAMUC reported on the Stay Health Lions page under the COVID-19 Statistics heading on university website.
Final Plat For New Subdivision Approved By Commissioners Court
Hopkins County Commissioners Court made short work of the regular meeting agenda Monday, approving a pneumatic roller, final plat for a new subdivision and a racial profiling report from the sheriff’s office.
Caney Creek Subdivision
For the first time since the county updated the subdivision rules, a final plat for a new subdivision Precinct 1 has been approved for Hopkins County.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley and Designated Representative/Inspector Kristy Springfield, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, County Clerk Tracy Smith and staff have all met with the two contractors and representatives for the Caney Creek Addition as required. The Commissioners Court also met with project representatives during a recent work session.
The 31.49 acres will include four tracts around a cell phone tower, and 11 additional tracts around those four. The area already has fiber optics lines which will allow for high speed internet.
Barker, Endsley and Smith reported that all of the required paperwork and stipulations are in order: including tax certificates, have paid initial fees, have their on-site inspection for sewage facility, architects letter and water supply, officials noted.
Shawn Massey was out of town, but Brian Coleman, representative for Caney Creek Addition, was on hand in court during the 9 a.m. session March 8 should there be any further questions from county officials regarding the planned new subdivision.
Fifteen homes with estimated values of $150,000 to $200,000 are planned to be constructed. A road would be accessed from FM 1567 in Arbala, then loop in a circle through the subdivision and back out.
“This will actually be a private road until it is complete and they if they also choose to take it in. So they’re going to leave a good base down what your recommendation was for the plat per subdivision rules,” Ensley said.
“And they understand what road materials we use, the final result before we will even consider taking it to our road inventory?” Barker asked.
“Yes, sir. They actually want to hire their own road engineer to make sure the road is up to the county’s spec on the subdivision rules during the whole process. They’ve actually already started the road to a degree out there. It’s there land going to it at this point,” Endsley said.
Other Business
Hopkins County Commissioners Court last Monday, March 1 tabled potential equipment purchase for Precinct 1, at Barker’s request to allow county officials additional time to evaluate the matter and make sure all the paperwork was in order. At Monday’s March 8 meeting, the Commissioners Court removed the measure from the table, then gave approval for Barker to purchase of a 2019 Volvo Pneumatic Roller for Precinct 1.
The roller will be purchased from Romco Equipment Company through Buyboard. The cost for the purchase will be $64,860. Because the equipment is being purchased through Buyboard, the county is not required to go out for bids for the project, County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook reported. She anticipates a request being made to the court at the next court meeting for financing of the pneumatic roller for a 5-year period.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tanner Crump presented for the official record the department’s annual racial profiling reports.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley commended the sheriff’s office employees. HCSO officers made 5,188 traffic stops and had no racial profiling complaints in 2020.
Barker noted that NETEX (Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District) is in the process of working with Beth Wisenbaker to apply to FEMA for grant funding to help with the cost of damages to the railroad right of way for some bridges damaged by the winter storms and rains. Carrier Freedom Rail Group is working with Wisenbaker on behalf of the county, as the county owns the right of way.
The Precinct 1 Commissioner also reported the county received a pickup from the sheriff’s office and will be turning in one truck.
The court approved payment of bills, revenues and expenses, payroll and financial statements as presented; and the consent agenda which included minutes of four regular meetings, one special session, and eight work sessions.
Work Sessions
Hopkins County Commissioners Court, after adjourning the regular court session Monday, moved to the Meeting Room on the third floor of the courthouse to begin one of two work sessions slated Monday. During the morning session, the court was slated to meet with both fire department and sheriff’s office personnel to discuss operations and to review any revenues and expenditures, and any proposed improvement or repairs for each department. They also were slated to meet with Jake Battenfield of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP. A preliminary plat for “The Anna Lake Estates” and budget work session were also on the Monday morning agenda.
The Court is also slated to hold a work session at 6 p.m. Monday, March 8 with the county’s volunteer fire department officers in the emergency operation center/ training room at Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center (Sheriff’s Office), 298 Rosemont Street.
How to Assess Tree Damage Due to Icy Weather, by Mario Villarino
Recently I have got several reports of tree deaths due to the recent ice-storm. According to Texas A&M AgriLife storms can leave trees looking like there is no tomorrow. Major limbs may be broken or damaged, foliage can be shredded or stripped, or the bark may be torn or gouged. But what at first glance may look like mortal wounds are not necessarily fatal to a tree. Trees have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage.
First, Assess the Damage
Before writing off a damaged tree as a “goner,” homeowners should evaluate their trees by asking the following questions:
- Other than the storm damage, is the tree basically healthy and vigorous? If the tree is basically healthy, is not creating a hazard, and did not suffer major structural damage, it will generally recover if first aid measures are applied immediately after the storm.
- Are major limbs broken? The larger a broken limb is, the harder it will be for the tree to recover from the damage. If most of the main branches are gone, the tree may have little chance of surviving.
- Has the leader (the main upward-trending branch on most trees) been lost? In species where a leader is important to upward growth or a desirable appearance, saving the tree may have to be a judgment call. The tree may live without its leader, but at best it would be a stunted or deformed version of the original.
- Is at least 50 percent of the tree’s crown (branches and leaves) still intact? This is a good rule of thumb on tree survivability. A tree with less than half of its branches remaining may not be able to produce enough foliage to nourish the tree through another season.
- How big are the wounds where branches have been broken or bark has been damaged? The larger the wound is in relation to the size of the limb, the less likely it is to heal, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. A 2- to 3-inch wound on a 12-inch diameter limb will seal over with new bark within a couple of years.
- Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure? The remaining limbs will grow more vigorously as the tree tries to replace its missing foliage. Look to see if there are branches that can eventually fill out the tree’s appearance.
- Is the tree of a desirable species for its location? If the tree is in the wrong location (such as a potentially tall tree beneath a power line), or is an undesirable species for the property (messy fruit, etc.), it may be best to remove it if it has serious damage.
Then, Make the Decision
In general, the answer as to what to do about a particular tree will fall into one of three categories:
- It’s a Keeper
If damage is relatively slight, prune any broken branches, repair torn bark or rough edges around wounds, and let the tree begin the process of wound repair.
- Wait and See
If a valuable tree appears to be a borderline case, resist the temptation to simply cut the tree down and be done with it. It may be best to stand back for a while and think it over. Remember that time is on your side. After careful pruning of broken branches, give the tree some time to recover. A final decision can be made later.
- An Easy Call : A mature shade tree can usually survive the loss of one major limb. The broken branch should be pruned back to the trunk. In the months that follow, large wounds should be closely monitored for signs of decay.
- Minor Damage: Although the tree has been damaged, enough strong limbs may remain on a basically healthy tree to make saving it possible.
- Too Young to Die: Young trees can sustain quite a bit of damage and still recover quickly. If the leader is intact and the structure for future branching remains, remove the damaged limbs and allow the tree to recover.
- Easy Does It: Resist the temptation to prune too heavily. Remember that the tree will need all the foliage it can produce in order to make it through the next growing season. Remove only the damaged limbs, then wait and see what happens.
- Hold Off: A healthy, mature tree can recover even when several major limbs are damaged. With large trees, a professional arborist should be brought in to assess damage and to safely accomplish needed pruning and branch removal.
3. Say Goodbye
Some trees simply can’t be saved or are not worth saving. If the tree has already been weakened by disease, if the trunk is split, or if more than 50 percent of the crown is gone, the tree has lost its survival edge.Don’t Try to Do It All Alone: Some of your trees may have damage that’s too close to call, or they may have hidden damage. If that is the case, you’ll need a tree professional to help you decide what to do. Don’t hire just anyone who shows up at your door after a storm. Look for qualified arborists in the phone book or by contacting your state or city forester.
- Tree Tragedy: This otherwise healthy young tree has lost too much of its crown-the leafy head that is vital for survival. It will probably not be able to grow enough new branches and leaves to provide needed nourishment, and will never be able to regain its former beautiful shape.
- Hopeless Case: About all that’s left of this tree is its trunk. The few remaining branches can’t provide enough foliage to enable the tree to make it through another growing season.
- Farewell to a Friend: A rotten inner core in the trunk or structural weakness in branching patterns can cause a split trunk-the tree equivalent of a heart attack. The wounds are too large to ever mend, and the tree has lost its sap lifeline between roots and leaves. This tree is all but dead.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
