Parks Department Wihertoimi Continues Clearing Storm Damage This Spring– Keep Clear of Uprooted Tree Stumps
News
Clearing work is still ongoing in Rauma’s outdoor recreation areas following the trees felled by the Hannes storm in December. The root balls of cut trees have frozen in an upright position, but as the ground thaws, a stump may suddenly and forcefully snap back into its original pit. Parks Department Wihertoimi reminds residents to keep well clear of upright root balls.
– Heavy stumps give no warning before moving, and being trapped beneath a root ball can be life‑threatening. Parents and guardians in particular should remain alert. Root balls are not suitable play areas, emphasises forestry engineer Risto‑Matti Rosvall.
Wihertoimi uses winches and excavators to reposition stumps once the ground has thawed. However, it is impossible to identify and eliminate all hazardous locations.
– We are already aware of several sites where stumps will be returned to their original positions. If residents notice dangerous stumps as spring progresses, they can report them via electronic feedback service, Rosvall says.
The Hannes storm felled thousands of cubic metres of timber in the City of Rauma’s forests. In park forests alone, the damage amounted to several hundred cubic metres. Clearing work will continue throughout the spring and includes timber removal, clearing of paths and the removal of hung‑up trees.
