Expert: Jim Hyland - 11/30/2006

Question
I live in BC, Canada and we just had a huge snowstorm - very unusual for us! A Leland Cypress approx. 25 feet tall fell over with the weight of the snow. The bow did not break it just came up by the roots. The snow will be all gone in a few days, what should I do to save this beautiful tree?
Thanks for your help.
Leslie

Answer
If you can try to push the tree into the upright position and brace it there. May have to use a couple of ropes staked in the ground to hold it in this position. Put the stacks at about 60 -90 degrees apart.  Push the roots back down and cover if needed with soil to keep them from drying out. Leave the brace for about a year this should give the tree time to establish a sound root system again.

However this tree does not do well where there is snow due to the foliage and the branch angles.