A Trees Structure
A common misconception about trees is that the roots go into the ground vertically,
mirroring the trunk above ground. The truth is that most tree roots actually spread out horizontally beneath the soil surface, spreading out in the top 12-18” of the soil. Trees do have extensive root systems but they are shallow and grow laterally from the base of the trunk often extending in a wide radius around the tree. Trees’ root systems are made up of large permanent roots, which are the parts of the roots that anchor the tree, and many small, temporary feeder roots, that's where the tree gets its nutrients from. The roots extend out in an irregular pattern that can be 2 to 7 times larger than the crown of the tree, which gives the roots the strength to support and anchor a trunk that weighs a lot more than the roots themselves.
When the wind blows through the canopy the trunk acts as a lever translating the forces into the roots. The roots push and pull against the soil; the friction between the roots and the soil keeps the tree upright.
Severe Weather
In the past few weeks there has been a lot of precipitation, causing the soil to be extremely saturated. When saturated soil is paired with strong winds it can lead to disaster. When the soil is fully saturated the tree's roots do not have anything to push and pull against, instead they are slipping and sliding through the muddy soil. With strong winds and no strong anchor the tree is at risk of toppling over. A local example of this is the Great Oak Epoch at Boxerwood toppling over this weekend. I strongly encourage you to click the link and read their post regarding this magnificent tree.
Factors of Tree Failure
Trees are more likely to topple over if the roots have been cut or damaged. Root removal within 8 to 10 feet of the trunk has a major impact on tree stability. Roots that have been cut or damaged are also susceptible to root rot and decay, further impacting stability. Often the only signs of root decay are dead branches along the edges of the canopy, or mushrooms along the trunk and exposed roots.
Trees growing in compacted soil are not able to spread out as much, as roots can only grow in soils that have space for oxygen. The more compacted a soil is, the less pore space for oxygen and the shallower the root system. Shallow root plates do not provide strong anchoring and are more susceptible to saturated, soupy surface soils. Trees near roads or pathways would be a good example of trees growing next to compact soil.
Preventative measures
Tree Pruning: Regularly prune your trees to allow wind to pass through easily, reducing the strain on root systems.
Regular Inspections: Have a professional tree service, like Honorable Tree Service, assess your trees’ stability and health, especially if they are located in rainfall-prone areas.
Tree Removal: If a tree shows signs of instability or poses a risk to nearby structures, consult a professional tree removal service like Honorable Tree Service to determine whether it needs to be removed.
Protect Your Property
Understanding the risks of saturated ground and strong winds is crucial to protecting your property and the trees you love. Excessive rainfall and strong winds compromise tree stability, which puts people and property at risk. Homeowners can mitigate this risk by monitoring their trees, maintaining proper drainage, and seeking professional advice.
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