Why Trees Fall

Why Trees Fall

Like any lasting structure, a strong foundation is the key to existence. There are many occasions that put trees at risk of falling, especially here in Maryland. Erosion, storms/flooding, lightning, disease, high winds, just to name a few. And while trees are known to ‘weather the storm’ losing only a few branches here and there, many times trees lose the battle and ultimately fall. But it’s curious if during a storm one tree that stands 50 feet high and holds up to high wind and rains, and an identical tree several yards away falls down. To find the answer, you should look to the roots!

As soil becomes saturated with rainwater, it loosens. Over time, with more soil loss or erosion, it requires less wind or movement to push a tree from its foundation. Once the root system is compromised, the tree is more likely to fall. Three major reasons may contribute to a loss like this. Poor planting techniques, infrastructure overcrowding and overall root damage affect the health of the root system and can determine the strength of the tree over the long term.

The end depends on the beginning

Since it takes about three years for trees to develop their full root structure that will be sufficient to supply nutrients and grow a wide enough root base to grow a health canopy, planting trees the right way is critical. When planting a new tree, ensure that the root ball is just above the soil level, with soil sloping away from the trunk so that water doesn’t pool at the base. If buried below the soil level, the root ball starts to grow upwards, providing no support in the network of widening roots.

Location. Location. Location.

Healthy trees need room to grow – above and below the soil. For example, a tree that is expected to grow 45 feet high, should be a minimum of 15 feet from any concrete and 30 feet from any other large trees as not to compete for ‘root space.’ Trees equally require canopy space – so that at maturity, they don’t compete for sunlight and have room to sway in the breeze naturally.

Live and let live.

Like any plant, trees must be watered and cared for regularly. To stay healthy, trees should be pruned in the first 2-3 years so they don’t grow disproportionally as it matures. Pruning early is much easier than trimming large branches later. Topping trees essentially ‘chop off’ the canopy, stunts growth, defeats the health benefit of creating chlorophyll through its leaves and is plain ugly. Overwatering a tree, especially in non-rainy months can oversaturate roots, causing them to die leaving the tree weaker and more susceptible to falling. Lastly, keeping the tree trunk healthy is equally important. Rot can move downward into the root system and any scars or cuts can prevent nutrients from flowing upward to the rest of the tree.

Put this all together, and you’ll see the key components to keeping trees healthy and lowering the odds for the tree to ever fail. unLIMBited Tree Service with its licensed arborists and technicians can help you with all your tree needs, whether after a tree falls on your property or you’re planning for landscaping.