Trees falling on houses, across roads or taking out powerlines are spectacular events that local media love to give front page coverage. While we do not mind the attention trees get during storms, we do have a concern that it might leave people with the impression that trees are dangerous. What is often overlooked is that there usually is a reason why a tree fails.

	Request Complimentary Consultation

What Causes Tree Failure During Storms?

Healthy trees can cope quite successfully with the additional loads put upon them during storms. So then, why is there so much damage after a good wind? To find an answer to this question we must first understand what causes tree failure. There are several factors that may influence tree failure, including the extent of a defect, tree type (some species are more susceptible than others), age (older trees tend to be more vulnerable), site characteristics (rock ledges, saturated or eroded soils) and wind patterns.

The causes of failure are commonly broken up into non-infectious and infectious. Some non-infectious examples are tree structure and root loss. During site inspections, we encounter a good number of trees that have poor structure consisting of multiple trunks competing with each other. When this happens, included bark is formed. This situation can be prevented through proper training when the trees are young (also referred to as developmental pruning). Mature trees with this type of defect can often be cabled or braced.

Addressing the Causes of Tree Failure

Root loss is most frequently the result of some form of soil excavation. In these cases, prevention consists of keeping potentially harmful objects ( i.e. construction equipment, vehicles, tools, etc.) a safe distance from the tree roots. A rule of thumb is to stay as far away as the projection of the furthest branch.

Some examples of infectious causes include decay and root diseases. Decay often starts with a type of injury whereby opportunistic fungi get a foothold in the tree. Detecting decay is now done using an instrument called a resistograph which can even reveal a decay pocket invisible from the outside. Root diseases can be quite serious. Anchoring roots can die off while a tree still appears healthy because it is able to send out enough adventitious roots to keep itself supplied with water and minerals. However, the loss of anchoring roots leaves the tree vulnerable. Fortunately, here too, arborists can perform a basal examination to determine if the roots are affected by decay. So while Aeolis (the Greek God of wind) gets ready for another Fall and Winter, it would be wise to have your trees inspected soon.

Call today to arrange a complimentary consultation from our fully trained and certified arborists for storm damage prevention, tree pruning and takedown tree services from SavATree. Contact the office nearest you.