You might think an uprooted tree is a lost cause.

Not so.

Of course, it depends on the extent to which the tree’s roots are out of the ground, but a certified arborist might be able to save your tree.

An arborist’s goal is always to save trees rather than remove them, and they’re generally eager to share their knowledge about how to keep trees healthy. If there’s no hope for your trees, they’ll tell you that, too.

The good news is that I recently spoke to an arborist who actually sent me pictures of spruces that were completely uprooted by Hurricane Sandy along the East Coast. He was able to use a come-along cable puller and multiple ground anchors to secure the trees. He said he expects them all to survive.

Get at least three estimates before you decide how to proceed. Many tree services have arborists on staff, so they can offer advice for saving trees, as well as their safe removal. You’ll be asked about a number of things as your experts evaluate the situation. To save uprooted trees, their root balls will need to be intact. If they are, and the trees are able to be cabled or tethered, then it’s possible the trees can be straightened. This isn’t a do-it-yourself job, though. It will likely involve specific tools and technique. Please get some expert advice.

If the trees are successfully straightened, they will require extensive time to recover and become stable again, so it’s important the job be done safely and properly and that the trees are regularly inspected.

If you are able to upright the trees, tree professionals I spoke to recommend you apply a tree growth regulator, which will help promote a healthy root system. You’ll also want to cover the root ball with extra mulch this winter to help keep the exposed roots warm.