Iowa DNR: Check For Tree Damage In & Outside Tornado Path

(Polk County, IA) -- Residents of Pleasant Hill, Iowa are busy cleaning up extensive tree damage from Friday night's severe weather. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Urban Forester Emma Hanigan says property owners outside of the main E-F-2 tornado path should inspect trees for possible wind damage. She says tornadoes Friday were strong enough to damage even trees that can usually withstand strong winds. Hanigan says sometimes winds on the backside of a twister can be strong enough to cause serious weakness to trees.

Hanigan notes fast-growing trees such as maple trees are often damaged first, but when the winds are over 100 miles per hour, any tree can be damaged.

She recommends homeowners who have questions about potential damage contact a certified arborist.

Damage to trees in Pleasant Hill was extensive, and residents are in the process of getting trees and branches to the right away to be picked up by crews.