Winter Wonderland In Oklahoma

[Second Air Force]

Well, we got our power back tonight (Sunday) at 18:45 after seven-and-a-half days without. Thanks to all the utility folks for working in some rough conditions during this ordeal. We visited with some folks yesterday that don't expect to have electricity until after the first of the year! The rural electric that we are served by has around 3,000 power poles to replace according to the local news. Here are a few pictures of our place during and after the ice worked the trees over.

This is an ancient tree on our property before it gave up the fight:


The same tree a few days later:


This stand of trees is on the west side of Collinsville, Ok., and represents the level of damage in our area. The damage is equivalent to that from a Level 5 hurricane according to the local weathermen.


Scott

[b29flteng]

A few years back we had a tornado (not the jet) go through here and damaged some old pecan trees, they looked worse than what you've got. The folks that owned the trees just pruned the dead branches and trees are still growing. They look a little funny, but they are still alive. So don't give up.

[tom d. friedman]

hopefully that tree will recover this spring, it's fabulous. after it's pruned or trimmed hit it with pruning seal, a gummy tar like goop that you can find at any hardware store or garden center, apply to any open cuts or breaks to protect it the inner bark from bugs disease etc.

[Second Air Force]

Thanks for the hints! We are really very lucky that we only lost a few big limbs. A close friend of ours has a large number of pecan trees that remind you of tornado damage. They are pretty resilient, and we were lucky it wasn't windy to go along with the ice. Ellen and I grew up in the north of Nebraska and have seen far worse winter WX than this. It's fun to watch folks drive on this stuff though!

Tom, here is a shot of our pride and joy--it lost only a couple of small branches and we couldn't be more relieved. The tree with the major damage is to the right of this photo.


Scott

[tom d. friedman]

glad to hear damage wasn't to extensive. definetely get that pruning seal on before spring when bug damage & disease will take it's toll on open tree wounds if not protected. happy holidays from mr green jeans

[Second Air Force]

I got so used to posting updates when we helped on the B-24 that I decided to post a "tree update". This is the poor tree that lost so many of the north branches in the ice storm this past winter. The old girl is budding just like everyone else, and we are finishing up with the sealing process now. I think it's going to make it, time will tell.

[tom d. friedman]

glad to hear it's still kicking!! great job!!

[b29flteng]

Great! It may look funny for a while but it still gives shade. Al Gore will thank you.