RAP: Measures to be taken in cork oak and holm oak forests after damage to the montado (cork oak woodland).

Storms and strong winds can cause significant damage to woodland areas, particularly affecting cork oaks and holm oaks. The most frequent damage includes broken branches, fractured trunks, or trees uprooted, situations that require rapid assessment and appropriate intervention.

After a storm, it is essential to act safely and with full knowledge, ensuring the protection of trees, soil, and people.

Assessment of damage to cork oaks and holm oaks after storm

The first step after a storm is to carefully assess the condition of the trees.

It should be noted:

• trunk inclination
• exposed roots
• broken or hanging branches
• wounds in the bark or peeling

It is also important to identify uprooted or partially fallen trees, as well as areas where the soil is waterlogged or unstable, which can increase the risk of falling branches.

Proper assessment allows us to determine which trees require immediate intervention and which can recover naturally.

Exceptional measures taken by ICNF following storms.

After recent storms, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests He clarified that there are exceptional measures applicable to cork oaks and holm oaks damaged by the storm.

In these cases, owners can intervene in the trees without needing prior authorization, provided the damage was caused directly by the storm.

This exception applies, for example, when the following occur:

• trees uprooted
• broken trunks
• broken or fractured branches

In these situations, the obligation foreseen in article 15 of the **Decree-Law No. 169/2001 Not applicable.

Despite this administrative simplification, interventions must be carried out responsibly and appropriately.

Recommended interventions after storm damage.

When a cork oak or holm oak tree suffers damage caused by a storm, interventions should aim to minimize further damage and promote natural regeneration.

Among the most recommended measures are:

• removal of broken branches or branches at risk of falling
• Performing clean cuts on damaged branches.
• Cut the broken trunks close to the ground to encourage sprouting.
• safe removal of uprooted trees

Cleaning up damaged plant material can also help reduce risks and make managing the affected area easier.

Soil and tree protection after a storm.

After the intervention, it is important to ensure conditions that allow the trees to recover.

Some best practices should be adopted:

• avoid stripping the bark from weakened cork oak trees
• reduce soil compaction during work.
• improve drainage in waterlogged areas
• maintain the vegetation cover

These measures help preserve the health of the woodland and reduce stress on the trees after the extreme event.

Monitoring the trees in the following weeks.

After a storm, monitoring the trees is crucial.

In the following weeks, any possible signs of the following should be observed:

• decline or loss of vigor
• structural instability
• appearance of pests or diseases

In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out formative pruning or selection of branches, especially in trees that have suffered structural damage.

It is also advisable to document the damage caused by the storm, through photographs or other records, before carrying out any interventions.

Proper management after a storm helps protect the montado (cork oak forest).

The phenomena meteorological Extreme weather events have become more frequent, increasing the risk of damage to cork oaks and holm oaks.

A swift, informed, and technically correct response after a storm is essential to reduce risks, promote tree regeneration, and ensure the sustainability of the woodland.