Storm-damaged trees may survive

photo Last week's severe storms pummeled the St. Elmo area of Chattanooga, leaving buildings damaged and trees down. City workers examine the blockade of downed trees on Ochs Highway in St. Elmo before proceeding to clear the road. Staff Photo by Tracey Trumbull/Chattanooga Times Free Press

State forestry officials say some trees damaged by recent tornadoes or flooding could survive.

Bruce Webster, urban forester with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, said trees have an amazing capacity to re-grow after damage. He encouraged property owners to give them a chance to recover.

Officials said damaged yard trees still standing should be left undisturbed unless they present an imminent hazard.

Flooded trees will have to be watched over time. Flooding causes more root damage than top damage, so the damage may not be visible for several weeks, he said.

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