Over the years, vast areas of the state have been subjected to severe weather ranging from ice storms to tornados. These storms can cause extensive damage to trees and woodlands across the state. Below is information to help you address storm damage to your woodlands.

The past several years have been hard on Kentuckians as severe storms have affected us all. It has also been hard on our woodlands owners as storm-related losses mount. Whether it was this past winter’s ice storm, or this winter’s unfathomable tornado outbreak, we are here to help guide you to resources and assistance. Though we are all grieving this terrible disaster, it is important to remind landowners to take extreme caution when entering any wooded areas full of storm-related hazards from downed powerlines and trees, storm debris, and widow-makers (loose branches and hung-up stems high in the canopy). Below are links to publications on safety in the woods, timber salvage decisions, and managing your woodlands following severe storm damage. We will continue developing materials related to our response to the tornado damage across the Commonwealth.

 

Please contact UK Department of Forestry Extension and Dr. Jacob Muller for questions or guidance at Jacob.muller@uky.edu or forestry.extension@uky.edu


   

Additional Resources:
Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF)

Contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry for assessment of woodland timber damage.  Service foresters can assess damage and develop a stewardship plan to help manage short and long-term forest health.
Visit the Kentucky Division of Forestry website for more information.

Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters (KACF)
Consulting foresters can provide assistance with salvage harvesting and casualty loss deductions.  Visit the Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters website.

University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources - Extension
Extension professionals and associates can help guide you to resources and assist you with making sound forestry decisions. Visit the Extension website.

Please take steps to ensure that any forester or consultant is a certified and licensed arborist or forester before hiring.