Question
I have two 15 ft tall maple trees that were run over by a
truck that crashed in my front yard.  The trees are leaning
a little and the trunks are badly scared.  Is there anything I could do to help save these trees?

Answer
I would try to straighten them upand brace them with cables holding the tree in position for about a year. Young trees may be able to survive if gently pulled back to the vertical position. This must be done carefully in order to avoid damage to the roots. It should be staked for the first year to prevent it from falling again. To stake a tree, use a one inch strap or other fabric. Do not use rope, wire, wire in a garden hose, or any other narrow band of material to tie around the tree. The strap should be inspected once a week during the growing season to minimize injury to the bark. Any air spaces formed by loosened soil should be pressed out. The root area should be covered with two to four inches of mulch and watered twice a week if there is no rain.
The wound will heal its self make sure the loose bark is cut off the wound. Do not put wound dressing on the area this will slow the healing. I would let the insurance Co. of the driver know you will try to save the trees but if you are not sucessful you expect them to be replaced with tree of the same size.