When you walk outside to survey the post-storm damage, you’ll notice some trees survived while others succumbed to the forceful winds. Why do trees fall over in a storm? The crew at Top Tier Tree Specialist provides expert tree services in Newberry, FL. They shared what increases the odds of your trees falling during windstorms.
What Kind of Damage Can a Storm Bring to Trees on Your Property?
Storms are pretty damaging on their own. When you add weakened or stressed trees to the mix, you end up with a big mess to clean once the skies clear. Severe weather can bring intense elements, such as:
- Excessive rainfall: Heavy rains mean loose, saturated soil. Trees can uproot more easily under these conditions.
- Lightning bolts: Lightning is a powerful electrical force that can destroy anything it comes into contact with.
- Powerful winds: A strong windthrow can toss even healthy trees to the ground as if they were toys.
Now, do trees fall over in a storm, and can you do anything to prevent fallen trees?
Why Do Trees Fall Over in a Storm?
Sometimes, a tree falls because of pre-existing conditions. The storm wouldn’t otherwise topple the specimen if it were in good health. Root rot from excessively dry or wet soil gradually kills the root system, resulting in extremely poor anchorage.
Fungal and bacterial diseases or pest infestations can also weaken the trunk wood. The tree can easily topple over from powerful winds or the weight of rain-soaked wood. However, a storm that kills an otherwise healthy specimen often comes with lightning, intense rain, and powerful winds.
What Can You Do To Protect and Preserve Your Trees When Powerful Storms Arrive?
Sometimes, an arborist can successfully perform tree restoration if the specimen doesn’t sustain any significant injuries. But prevention is a much better and more successful approach. You can protect your specimens from future storms by:
- Spreading mulch around the base: Mulch replenishes soil nutrients which encourages shallow roots to dig deeper and strengthen the wood.
- Addressing structural defects: Consider cables and braces for extra support for angled or curved trees.
- Regularly pruning the tree: Most trees need pruning once every three years. Those with top-heavy crowns will benefit from more frequent sessions until the arborist balances the crown.
- Treating any diseases as soon as you notice symptoms: Don’t let fungi, bacteria or insects overtake your trees! That’s a one-way ticket to damaged, weakened trunks.
A certified arborist can direct you to the best course of action for your trees. Be proactive by reaching out to Top Tier Tree Specialist.
Top Tier Tree Specialist Helps You Prepare for and Clean Up Trees in Newberry, Florida
Why do trees fall over in a storm? They might succumb to long-standing conditions or suffer direct damage from the storm itself. Top Tier Tree Specialist knows all about protecting specimens from deterioration and cutting fallen trees with chainsaws after a severe storm. Call 352-472-8733 to schedule a consultation with one of our certified arborists in Newberry, Florida.
