Question
Dear Mr Hyland,
Two days ago our 20 year old, 20 foot white pine tree was blown down by 75 mile an hour wind storm that hit Columbus, Ohio.  The tree is located in our front yard and stands alone.  Is there a possibility that the tree can be saved if we could upright it again given the trauma it has suffered?  We have tried to keep the roots moist during the past two days.  Due to extensive wind damage/power outage in our area, I have been unable to contact any local nursery or arborist for this answer.  Thank you for any information regarding this situation.


Answer
Young trees planted within the past few years are sometimes blown over by high winds. If they are less than 10 inches in diameter and were planted in the past seven years, they should be saved. Straighten them as soon as possible and they usually will recover. If the roots are exposed, cover them with soil or mulch to keep them moist until you can straighten the tree. It is generally not practical to straighten larger, more mature trees that have blown over.

Newly reset trees will need to be supported until they re-establish a strong root system. This can be done with stakes or guy lines, depending on the size of the tree and the location. Leave the support in place for nine to 12 months.

If the tree is leaning less than 45 degrees than I would go ahead and up right it and stake it. But if a tree this large is down on the ground it would cause more damage to the roots by trying to put it back up. Sorry it sounds like it will need to be replaced.
You might try calling the State Forestry agency local office and asking one of their Foresters to come out and take a look. But it does not sound too promising.