Trees are so strong and sturdy that it can seem impossible that they could be damaged by wind, but strong winds can and do damage and topple trees. If a wind storm has come through your area and done damage to your trees, ask your landscaping company to send a certified arborist out for an inspection. Damaged trees may need special attention to ensure that they recover. Why are trees so vulnerable to wind damage? Here is what you need to know.
Tree Structure
Some species of trees are more vulnerable to wind damage because of the way that they grow. For example, silver maple trees have narrow limbs that grow quickly, making them extremely susceptible to damage in high winds. Trees with more substantial branch structures are less likely to be affected. Trees that grow extremely tall with narrow branch networks at their peaks may also be easily damaged in wind storms.
Unbalanced Pruning
Pruning is an important part of keeping trees healthy and strong. However, if pruning is not balanced, then it makes the tree more vulnerable to wind damage. There are pruning methods that can be used that make trees stronger in the face of heavy winds, such as thinning out the top canopy of the tree to allow wind to pass through it easily. Removing lower branches while shortening upper branches can also be helpful. This kind of pruning will reduce the risk of branch damage during storms. Always allow an arborist to prune your tree to ensure it is done properly.
Improper Planting
Trees that don’t develop a healthy root structure are vulnerable to toppling in high winds. Root structures can be compromised by trees that are planted too closely together or when trees aren’t given enough water after that they are planted to encourage the root structure to grow.
At Complete Landscaping, our certified arborists can help you keep your trees healthy through all their stages of development, with careful planting and expert pruning. To schedule service for your trees, call our landscaping company in Tucson at (520) 323-8918.