Tree Destruction from Tornado at Hacklebarney Park

Shown is the destruction of a tree in Montgomery County after an EF-3 tornado in May 2024. When a tree receives extensive damage from a storm, it first seals off the wound by producing a protective callus or barrier to prevent the spread of pathogens and potential decay. Next, the tree tries to repair the damaged tissues, producing specialized cells that form new wood, gradually closing the wound and restoring structural integrity. This can happen when at least 50 percent of the tree is still viable and if the tree was in good health. In this case, the tree has entirely lost its crown and most of its trunk. The tree cannot provide any foliage to enable the tree to survive through another growing season.

• Can trees repair themselves after damage from a storm?

• As you look at the picture, what do you notice about what has happened to the tree's structure?
• What are the requirements for a tree to grow properly?
• Why would some people consider this tree “dead”?
• Are there things humans can do to help this tree repair itself?

Students could:

• Conduct a debate to determine if plants have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• Research how the various parts of a tree (or any plant) function to support its life and structure.
• Conduct an experiment using celery and food coloring to investigate how internal and external structures support growth and behavior of the plant.
• Research what species of trees are more tolerant of high winds.

• The Arbor Day Foundation | The Morning After a Storm: A guide on how to assess and determine if trees can be saved after natural phenomena such as a tornado.
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Iowa State University Extension: Managing Storm-Damaged Trees: How to evaluate and treat storm-damaged trees. The article includes a list of trees that are more susceptible to damage from storms.
• PBS KIDS for Parents | Rainbow Celery Experiment: Link to an experiment using food coloring and celery to investigate internal features of plants.