On Thursday, February 17 at 9 pm a large section of my giant American elm tree split and fell, crushing my neighbor’s trees, while landing on their garage and landing on the electric lines in the alley, snapping five utility poles under the weight of the massive limbs. Several blocks were without power for ten hours until new poles could be erected, and new lines connected.
In 2012, Urban Foresters from Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources measured the regal tree at 184” circumference (4.5 feet from the ground), 90 feet tall, with an 83-foot crown (reach of the branches) and listed it as the 3rd largest American elm tree in Ohio. A few years later the second largest was hit by lightning so my elm moved to Number 2.
The branches and a third of the trunk not only took out the electric and the fence between my neighbor and I, but it also landed on three of my bee hives, knocking one on its side, with branches forced through the outer cover. Two colonies absconded after the shock, the one on its side was angry, with combs broken loose from the frames and honey oozing when the temperature rose later in the day. No one could access the hives due the number of heavy limbs that covered the area, so I waited until the tree care company could remove them.
Of course, the colony was incredibly heavy and was falling apart as we tried to lift, shove and drag it away from the workers. We used tiedowns to hold the hive together (sans broken cover) and a hive carrier to move it away from the damage. Smoke helped to keep the cold (28°F) and shaken bees out of our faces.
The point to this story is that we don’t know when disaster is imminent. The elm appeared to be healthy and showed no signs of splitting. It had been under the care of a good arborist for at least 20 years. The insurance company did not cover the loss of the bees or damaged equipment (or the removal of the rest of the tree), which added to the sorrow of losing this magnificent tree. Some lessons learned from this disaster are as follows:
- To avoid damage to your colonies, note the health of trees and the direction that they are leaning. Estimate the distance of the colonies from the tree(s) when placing colonies.
- Remember that strong winds, ice storms and vehicles out of control can alter the direction that trees/branches may fall.
- Always keep a smoker, hive tools and protective clothing near any colonies and/or in your vehicle. Tie downs and a device to move hives are also a necessity.
- If the colonies are away from your home, make sure that your contact information is posted near the colonies (and registered in your state).
- If the tree(s) is on your property, maintain it. Keep records of any care that is completed in case the insurance company needs proof that it was not a hazard tree.
- Maintain good relations with your neighbors. Tree/branch damage to property is always stressful, however good neighbor rapport helps to dispel some of the tension.
The loss of this beautiful tree is heartbreaking and the costs crippling, however overall, my neighbors and I were very fortunate as no one nor any homes were damaged. At least one colony survived to be split and placed in new hive boxes. I learned some important lessons and hope that you can avoid a similar disaster.
