Let’s root for the trees

Regular inspections by surgeons can stop them being felled by storms

falling. It’s important to realise that fallen trees are the exception at any time, including storms.

Most trees won’t topple over or shed major limbs during turbulence.

And while prevention is often seen as being better than a cure, it’s important that we don’t take down trees if they’re in good condition because we need them to actually help us cope with storms and other extreme weather.

Removing all trees around a building may result in wind speed greatly increasing. Doing so may put buildings and lives at greater risk.

And taking trees away from steep slopes can cause the land to become unstable and create a risk of landslides. An awareness of how large trees grow and what situations help to keep them upright and healthy is invaluable. So let’s look at the primary factors which may make some trees vulnerable to the elements. The most common contributors to trees falling over during high winds are soggy soil and a damaged root system. When soil becomes saturated it may lose its strength and therefore its ability to anchor tree roots.

When the wind blows, those roots hold the tree through the pushing and pulling of the wind. That’s what keeps your tree upright.

If the roots are restricted or cut by roads, paths, or building foundations, the tree is more likely to collapse during a storm

The damage to the root systems may not have occurred recently as it can take a long time for the tree to respond to root disturbances.

When a tree falls in a storm, it may be the result of damage inflicted 10 to 15 years previously. Trees with dead or dying limbs, with little foliage, are most at risk of falling during storms.

The risk can be reduced by removing dead wood in the canopy. However unbalanced pruning can put excessive pressure on the limbs and foliage that remain – so employing an experienced tree surgeon is highly recommended.

HELP

Tree surgeons should also be contracted to carry out regular mature tree inspections. They will provide you with peace of mind and give your trees all the help they require to meet their full beautiful potential.

The Arboricultural Association maintains an online directory of quality assured tree surgery businesses.

They are regularly assessed for their health and safety procedures, office and business practices, including customer care, as well as their quality of tree work.

They can be contacted at trees.org.uk

Trees with dead or dying limbs are most at risk of falling in storms