Lessons Learned
These are some of the lessons we learned from the recent hurricanes that struck the southeastern US.
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Root/Soil Issues
Root/Soil Issues
- Trees growing in confined soil spaces are prone to blowing over.
- Root defects such as girdling roots cause trees to blow over.
- Apparently healthy trees can blow down because supportive roots have decayed or the soil becomes soft from saturation.
- Large and old trees blow over; recently planted trees blow over; well-established young to medium-aged trees are less likely to blow over.
- Construction activities within about 20 feet of the trunk of existing trees can cause the tree to blow over more than a decade later.
- Trees in shallow soils are more prone to blow over than trees rooted more deeply. More
- Uprooted trees can break underground utility lines, such as water and sewer.
- Trees become unstable in soils saturated by lots of rain.
- Trees blow down in the prevailing wind direction.
- Aerial roots help hold trees up.
- Roots do not grow in compacted limestone.
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Cultural Issues
Cultural Issues
- Trees that are preventively pruned are less likely to fail than neglected trees.
- Trees with one dominant trunk fare better than trees with codominant stems.
- Trees with bark inclusions are prone to falling apart.
- Large pruning cuts create decay and cracks that can lead to breakage in storms.
- Trees in a group blow down less frequently than single trees.
- Tree trunks can be hollow without openings in the lower trunk; these are prone to failure in storms.
- Trees that have failed before are likely to fail again.
- Topped trees break.
- Over-pruning palms can increase their susceptibility to damage in storms. More
- Recently cleared lots were very susceptible to tree damage. More
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Species Issues
Species Issues
- Certain species appear to be more resistant to damage.
- Certain species appear to be more susceptible to damage.
- Old laurel and water oaks are prone to failure in hurricanes.
- Queen palms are prone to falling over; Washington palms break; Royal palms lose foliage; Cabbage and Phoenix palms are able to stand firm in many hurricanes.