Storm Damage
Storms can cause significant damage to trees, primarily due to high winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning. Trees with poor architecture, such as co-dominant leaders or improper pruning techniques like topping and lion's tailing, are particularly vulnerable. Leaning trees may succumb to strong gusts, while decayed wood weakens critical structures, making them more susceptible to breakage. Additionally, factors such as root damage from excavation or soil compaction compromise stability, increasing the risk of uprooting. Cracks in the trunk or branches can further exacerbate the tree’s vulnerability during severe weather. Ultimately, these conditions can lead to fallen branches or even entire trees, threatening property and safety.
By navigating these pages, you will graphically see what factors predispose trees to storm damage, what actions ISA Certified Arborists© employ to mitigate these factors, what an arborist is, how to locate one in your area, and what to ask before hiring a firm.
Be assured that ISA Certified Arborists© have the education, equipment, and experience to address your tree-related concerns in a safe, economic, and timely fashion.
Factors Predisposing Trees to Storm Damage
Factors that predispose trees to storm damage include:
- Species Vulnerability: Certain tree species are more prone to damage due to their structural weaknesses, such as shallow root systems or brittle wood.
- Age and Health: Older trees or those in poor health, affected by disease or pests, are less resilient during storms and may be more likely to break or uproot.
- Environmental Conditions: Trees that grow in nutrient-poor or compacted soils may develop shallow roots, making them more susceptible to being uprooted.
- Wind Exposure: Trees located in open areas or on hilltops may face stronger winds, increasing their risk of damage.
- Weight of Foliage: Trees with dense foliage can experience additional stress from wind, rain, or snow accumulation, which can lead to breakage.
- Previous Damage: Trees that have previously experienced damage may have compromised structural integrity, making them more vulnerable in future storms.
Understanding these factors can help manage tree health and select appropriate species for planting in storm-prone areas.
Architecture
Poor tree architecture refers to structural weaknesses in a tree that can make it more susceptible to damage, especially during storms or high winds. It often results from certain growth patterns and structural flaws that compromise the tree's overall stability.
Photo by Arthur Kross
Here are a few key aspects of poor tree architecture:
Co-Dominant Leaders: This occurs when two or more stems grow from the same point on the trunk, creating weak junctions. These points are vulnerable to failure under stress, such as severe winds or heavy snow.
- Included Bark: This defect happens when branches grow closely together, causing their bark to fuse as they expand. This can create weaker angles between the branches, increasing the risk of breakage.
- Leaning Trees: Trees that lean excessively may lack proper structural support, making them more likely to fall or lose branches during storms. Leaning can result from environmental factors, soil conditions, or competition for light.
It is essential to monitor leaning trees, especially those exhibiting significant bowing, as they may pose risks to nearby structures and safety. Consulting an ISA Certified Arborist© can provide valuable insight into necessary corrective actions to maintain the tree's health and stability.
Photo to the Left: Typical sweep lean of London Planetree
growing toward more sunlight.
Leaning trees create a striking visual dynamic in nature, often resembling graceful sculptures bending toward the light. These trees may sweep outward in a dramatic arc, showcasing their adaptability to environmental pressures. Their trunks, inclined at an angle, can appear slender at the base and gradually widen as they rise, leading to a lush canopy that seems to reach for sunlight.
The inclination can also be influenced by the surrounding landscape and other trees, which may create a symmetrical or asymmetrical aesthetic. In forested areas, where competition for light is fierce, leaning trees often exhibit a pronounced sweep as they stretch towards open spaces. Their branches can fan out widely, creating a sense of movement and fluidity, further enhancing the beauty of the scene.
From a distance, leaning trees can evoke a sense of drama and history, telling stories of resiliency against strong winds, heavy snowfall, or poor soil conditions. Whether standing alone in a field or nestled among other flora, their unique shapes contribute to the tapestry of the natural world, inviting admiration and contemplation.
Straight Lean refers to the phenomenon where trees grow at an angle but appear to be leaning straight up due to their growth patterns. This can occur due to various factors such as wind, soil erosion, or competition for sunlight.
In this context, leaning trees exhibit a defined slant in their trunks, often creating a striking visual effect in landscapes. The upper canopy may stretch out horizontally while the roots anchor firmly in the ground, showing resilience despite their angle. The beauty of straight lean trees lies in their unique shapes, often adding character to forests or gardens, and serving as a testament to their adaptability in nature. Such trees can be fascinating to study, as they display the complexities of growth and survival in varying environmental conditions.
Consulting and hiring an ISA Certified Arborist© for tree work is essential.
Branches
Dead branches on a tree can create several types of damage and pose various risks to both the tree itself and its surrounding environment. Here are some key issues associated with dead branches:
- Increased Risk of Breakage: Dead branches are typically brittle and can easily break off, especially during storms or high winds. This can lead to falling branches that may cause injury to people, damage to property, or harm to other plants.
- Pest Infestation: Dead branches can attract pests, such as insects and wood-boring beetles, which can infest the tree. These pests often thrive in the decaying wood and can further weaken the tree, leading to more extensive damage.
- Disease Spread: Fungi and pathogens are more likely to take hold in dead or dying wood. As these diseases spread, they can weaken the entire tree, making it more susceptible to other health issues.
- Impaired Growth: Dead branches can inhibit the overall growth and vitality of a tree. They may compete for nutrients, water, and light, leading to stunted growth in healthy branches.
- Aesthetic Impact: From a landscaping perspective, dead branches can detract from the tree's appearance, leading to an unkempt or unhealthy look in gardens or yards.
- Fire Hazard: In certain environments, dead branches can pose a fire hazard. If they are allowed to accumulate on the ground or remain on the tree, they can easily catch fire and help spread flames toward other vegetation or structures.
To mitigate these risks, it's advisable to regularly monitor trees for dead branches and have them pruned as needed. Consulting with a certified arborist can ensure that the process is carried out safely and effectively, promoting the overall health of the tree.
Epicormic branches are shoots that develop from buds located on the trunk or main branches of a tree, usually in response to stress or injury. These branches can emerge from the bark or just beneath it, often after significant environmental changes, such as storm damage, drought, fire, or even heavy pruning.
Here are some key points about epicormic branches:
- Stress Response: Epicormic growth typically occurs when a tree is stressed, as a survival mechanism to produce new foliage for photosynthesis. This can happen after canopy loss or other disruptions.
- Light Access: As a tree's upper canopy is reduced, epicormic branches help maximize light capture by growing in lower light conditions, allowing the tree to continue generating energy.
- Weak Attachment: While these branches can provide vital growth, they often have a weak attachment to the trunk, making them more susceptible to breakage during storms or high winds.
- Aesthetic and Structural Concerns: Epicormic branches may not always be desirable in managed landscapes or urban settings, as they can lead to an unbalanced tree structure. Pruning can help mitigate this issue.
- Indicators of Health: The presence of epicormic branches may signal underlying issues. If a tree is producing these branches more frequently, it may be reacting to stress factors that need to be addressed, such as soil compaction or poor health.
Overall, while epicormic branches can help a tree adapt and survive under certain conditions, they require careful management to maintain tree health and structural integrity.
Cabling
Improper cabling on a tree can lead to various issues that compromise the tree's health and structural integrity. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Incorrect Placement: Cabling should be placed in areas where it can effectively support the tree without causing damage. Improper placement can stress branches and trunks, causing injury or even failure.
- Too Tight or Too Loose: Cabling that is too tight can constrict growth and cause bark damage, limiting the tree's ability to heal. Conversely, if the cabling is too loose, it may not provide adequate support, resulting in the tree being unable to withstand high winds or heavy snowfall.
- Use of Non-appropriate Materials: The materials used for cabling should be suitable for tree support. Metal cables without protective padding can rub against the tree, causing bark injury and potentially leading to decay.
- Lack of Adjustment: Trees grow and change over time, and cables need to be regularly checked and adjusted to accommodate this growth. Failure to do so can result in girdling, where the cable cuts into the tree, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water.
- Ignoring the Tree's Natural Growth Habit: Every tree species has a unique growth pattern. Cabling that does not consider the tree's natural architecture can lead to unnatural bending or pulling, making the tree more vulnerable to damage during storms.
- Failure to Consult an Expert: Improper cabling often occurs when tree owners attempt DIY methods without the guidance of a certified arborist. Consulting with a professional ensures that the cabling is done correctly and that the tree’s health is prioritized.
Overall, improper cabling can harm a tree’s health and stability. To ensure the tree remains strong and resilient, it's essential to seek professional advice from an ISA Certified Arborist©.
Canker
A tree canker is a localized area of dead tissue on a tree or shrub, often resulting from infection by pathogens such as fungi or bacteria. Several factors contribute to the development of tree cankers:
- Injuries or Wounds: Physical damage to the bark, whether from insects, animals, mechanical injury, or environmental stress, can create entry points for pathogens.
Environmental Stress: Trees under stress from drought, extreme temperatures, or poor soil conditions are more susceptible to cankers. Stress can weaken the tree’s natural defenses, allowing infections to occur.
- Fungal and Bacterial Infections: Many cankers are caused by specific fungi or bacteria that invade damaged areas. These pathogens can thrive in wounds and can spread rapidly under favorable conditions.
- Poor Maintenance: Inadequate care, such as improper pruning or neglect of tree health, can increase the likelihood of cankers developing.
- Species Susceptibility: Certain tree species are more susceptible to cankers than others. Understanding the vulnerabilities of specific species can help manage and prevent cankers.
Cankers can lead to reduced vigor, dieback, and even death in severe cases if not managed properly. Monitoring tree health and addressing any signs of stress or damage promptly can help mitigate the risk of canker development.
It is important to consult with and have your tree work performed by an ISA Certified Arborist©.
Cracks
Cracks in the trunk or branches of a tree are structural defects that can stem from various factors and can significantly compromise a tree's health and stability. These fissures may appear as vertical or horizontal splits in the wood, and they can result from:
- Environmental Stress: Changes in temperature and moisture levels can cause the tree’s wood to expand and contract, leading to cracks. Rapid fluctuations in weather, such as a sudden freeze or thaw, can exacerbate this issue.
- Mechanical Damage: Physical impacts from storms, heavy winds, or even human activity (such as improper pruning or a collision with machinery) can create cracks.
- Decay and Disease: Fungal infections or rot can weaken the wood structure in specific areas, making it more prone to cracking. Once decay sets in, the integrity of the tree is compromised, leading to further issues.
- Growth Patterns: As trees grow, they experience tension and compression in their wood fibers. If this stress exceeds the tree’s ability to maintain integrity, cracks may develop.
- Inadequate Care: Poor pruning techniques or lack of maintenance can contribute to vulnerability, leading to cracks that could have been avoided with proper care.
Cracks create entry points for pests and diseases, which can worsen the tree's health. It's crucial to monitor trees with visible cracks and consult an ISA Certified Arborist© for evaluation. An arborist can determine the severity of the damage and recommend appropriate measures, which may include pruning, corrective actions, or in some cases, removal to ensure safety and maintain the health of surrounding plants.
Decayed Wood
Decayed wood refers to the breakdown of wood fibers due to biological processes, primarily caused by fungi, bacteria, and insects. This decay weakens the structural integrity of the tree, making it more susceptible to failure during storms or high winds.
The process often starts when the outer bark is damaged, allowing pathogens to enter the tree. As decay progresses, the wood may appear soft, spongy, or crumbly, losing its firmness and strength. Decayed wood can be identified by changes in color, texture, and smell; for instance, it may appear darker than healthy wood and often has a musty or sour odor.
The presence of decayed wood can significantly compromise a tree's health, leading to issues such as:
- Reduced stability, increasing the risk of toppling or breakage.
- Incentives for pests to invade, as a decaying tree may attract wood-boring insects.
- Limitations in nutrient transport, as decayed areas may disrupt the flow of water and nutrients within the tree.
Monitoring trees for signs of decay is crucial for maintaining their health and safety, and consulting an ISA Certified Arborist© can provide valuable insights into mitigation and treatment options.
Pruning
Improper tree pruning refers to techniques that can negatively impact a tree's health and structural integrity. Common mistakes include topping, which involves cutting the main leader of the tree, leading to weak regrowth and an increased risk of disease. Lion's tailing, where lower branches are removed excessively, can cause imbalance and expose the tree to wind damage. Additionally, making cuts that are too large or inappropriately placed can create entry points for pests and diseases, hinder proper wound healing, and compromise the tree's natural growth pattern. Overall, improper pruning can lead to severe structural vulnerabilities and health issues for the tree.
Topping is a controversial and harmful pruning practice where large branches or the upper portion of a tree is cut back to stubs, often resulting in a drastic reduction in height. This technique is frequently employed with the intention of controlling tree size or improving views, but it can lead to severe negative consequences for the tree's health and structure.
When a tree is topped, it can:
- Stress the Tree: Removing a significant portion of the canopy places considerable stress on the tree. This sudden alteration can disrupt its natural growth patterns and lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and pests.
- Encourage Weak Growth: Topping causes the tree to respond with vigorous regrowth of new shoots. These shoots tend to be weak and poorly attached, creating co-dominant leaders that can break easily during storms or high winds.
Depletes energy Reserves: The tree relies on its leaves to photosynthesize and produce energy. By removing large branches, the tree loses a significant surface area for photosynthesis, diminishing its ability to gather nutrients and ultimately weakening its health.
- Create Sunscald: The abrupt removal of foliage exposes the inner bark to sunlight, leading to sunscald. This can cause further damage to tissues and make the tree more vulnerable to temperature extremes.
- Promote Decay: Topping creates large wounds where branches have been cut. These wounds are entry points for fungi and decay pathogens, potentially leading to the tree's internal decline.
Topping is an improper pruning technique that can compromise the health and stability of trees, making them more prone to damage and increasing safety risks. It's essential to consult an ISA Certified Arborist© to use proper pruning methods that promote the health, structural integrity, and longevity of the tree.
Lion's Tailing is a pruning technique characterized by the excessive removal of inner branches along the length of a tree’s limbs, leaving only the outermost tips intact. This style of pruning gives the tree a "lion's tail" appearance, where the upper part of the branches is lush and full, while the lower sections are sparse and bare.
This method can create several issues for the tree’s health and structure:
- Weak Branch Structure: Removing too many inner branches can cause the tree to lose vital support. The remaining branches can become top-heavy, making them more susceptible to breakage during storms or high winds.
- Reduced Photosynthesis: The removal of inner foliage limits the tree's ability to photosynthesize efficiently. This can lead to reduced growth and overall vigor as there are fewer leaves to convert sunlight into energy.
- Increased Vulnerability: With a weakened structure and reduced foliage, trees that have undergone lion's tailing can be more prone to disease and insect infestations. The harsh pruning can also cause stress, making the tree more susceptible to environmental stressors.
- Compromised Aesthetics: While some may find the exposed limbs visually appealing, the lion’s tailing typically detracts from the tree's natural form and beauty, leading to an unnatural appearance that doesn't align with its growth pattern.
Lion's tailing is a form of improper pruning that can have detrimental effects on a tree’s health, stability, and overall aesthetic. It is essential to consult with an ISA Certified Arborist© for proper pruning techniques that promote healthy growth and structural integrity.
A Flush Cut refers to the practice of cutting a tree branch or stem so that the cut is even with the trunk or the branch from which it is being removed, leaving no noticeable collar or lateral branch. This method can be visually appealing but is generally discouraged by arborists for several reasons.
- Increased Vulnerability: Flush cuts remove the branch collar, a thickened area at the base of the branch that helps protect the tree from decay and facilitates healing. Without this collar, the tree is more susceptible to pests, diseases, and rot.
- Delayed Healing: The absence of a branch collar can slow down the tree’s natural healing process. The tree has a harder time closing off the wound, making it vulnerable to pathogens that could enter through the exposed wood.
- Stress on the Tree: Flush cuts can add stress to the tree, as it must work harder to heal the wound and recover from the trauma of the cut. This can lead to reduced vigor and health, especially if multiple flush cuts are made over time.
- Aesthetic Concerns: While flush cuts may look neat initially, they can lead to unsightly scars and uneven growth as the tree attempts to heal, impacting its overall appearance.
To safely prune a tree, it is recommended to make a proper cut just outside the branch collar. This allows the tree to maintain its natural defense mechanisms and heal more effectively. If you're considering tree pruning, consulting an ISA Certified Arborist© can provide guidance on the best practices for your specific trees.
Root Problems
Tree root problems can significantly impact the health and stability of a tree. Some common issues include:
- Excavation Damage: When soil is disturbed for construction or landscaping purposes, roots can be severed or exposed, leading to stress and reduced anchor strength.
- Trenching: Like excavation, trenching for utilities or drainage can cut through root systems, impairing the tree's ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- Soil Compaction: Heavy machinery or foot traffic can compact the soil around a tree, reducing pore space and restricting root growth. Compacted soil limits oxygen flow and water infiltration, which can harm roots.
- Grading: Altering the ground level around a tree can expose roots or bury them too deeply, both of which can hinder root function and lead to tree instability.
- Paving: Asphalt or concrete surfaces placed too close to trees can restrict root expansion and lead to inadequate access to water and nutrients.
- Girdling Roots: These are roots that grow in a circular pattern around the trunk or main roots. As they grow, they can constrict the flow of nutrients and water, potentially leading to tree decline.
- Fungal Decay: Fungi can invade and decay roots, weakening the tree's structure. This decay may not be visible above ground and can lead to sudden tree failure.
Addressing these issues early on with an ISA Certified Arborist© can help maintain the health and stability of trees in urban and rural environments.
