32 
EASTERN SHADE TREE CONFERENCE 
existed it can be understood why twisted and decapitated trees were 
found in the wake of the hurricane — an explanation to pacify those per¬ 
sons who seek to understand what they see. Another explanation 
which might partly account for the nondescript tumbling of trees is the 
possibility of wind force being sharply deflected following contact with 
some obstacle. 
The salvaging of damaged trees rightly received attention second only 
to the saving and serving of human life. Uprooted trees had to be reset 
promptly and extensive work on other tree rehabilitation was urgently 
needed. The cessation of the rain meant the receding of the rivers but 
it also meant the hardening of soil, and the drying out of exposed roots. 
Trees which were reset promptly and given whatever other attention 
was necessary in the way of pruning and protective painting should 
recover from the effects of a temporary disturbance none the worse for 
their experience and certainly not so much shocked as the transplanted 
tree which awakens in spring in a new environment. However, moving 
large trees has been conspicuously successful in cases too numerous to 
permit detailed listing and doubtless with methods for the control of 
evaporation, such as the use of wax emulsion, resetting uprooted trees 
will prove successful in cases where proper attention was given to the 
matter of firming the soil about the roots and the details of routine 
transplanting including guying. Of course the physical well being of the 
trees requires attention to the general health of trees such as careful 
watering and the judicious application of fertilizer if conditions appear 
to warrant this practice. 
Occasionally saving something from a mangled but treasured tree 
involved cutting out everything but the trunk. This process known as 
pollarding commonly produces a dense top growth which to a limited 
extent is a contribution to the landscape. 
Time and space will not permit complete elaboration of the multitudi¬ 
nous ramifications of the effects of the hurricane on the entire field of 
arboriculture. What is to be done about the untreated damage to 
shade trees on public and private property? Are the evergreens dis¬ 
colored by the effects of salt spray destroyed and how far was the ocean 
spray carried? Did it reach Montpelier, Vermont? Will evergreens 
that lost branches on one side or the base produce compensating new 
growth ? Should public utility programs and tree planting programs be 
more adequately coordinated ? Have the conditions since the hurricane 
been favorable for the recovery of injured trees ? What tree diseases and 
