Why Do Trees Suddenly Fall Over?

Is your tree regularly (and properly) pruned?

• Excess growth can make the tree top-heavy and more susceptible to falling during strong winds or storms.
• Another reason for tree falls is disease or decay. Trees that are infected with diseases or have internal decay are weakened and may not  be able to withstand external pressures. This can lead to sudden collapse, especially if the tree is already compromised by other factors such as age or previous            damage.
• Root problems are also a common cause of tree falls. When roots become damaged, either due to construction activities, soil erosion, or disease, they lose their ability to anchor the tree securely in the ground. As a result, even a moderate amount of wind can uproot the tree and cause it to fall.
• Lastly, environmental factors such as severe weather conditions can contribute to tree falls. High winds, heavy rainfall, ice storms, and snow accumulation can all put immense pressure on trees and increase the likelihood of them toppling over.
• To prevent these incidents from occurring, professional pruning is crucial. Regular pruning helps maintain proper weight distribution within the tree canopy and removes any dead or weak branches that could pose a risk. Additionally, routine inspections by certified arborists can identify signs of disease or decay early on so that appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate any potential hazards.
• In conclusion, understanding why trees fall is important in order to take proactive steps towards prevention. Through proper maintenance practices such as professional pruning and regular inspections by experts in arboriculture, we can ensure safer environments while preserving the beauty and benefits that trees bring to our urban and suburban landscapes.
  

Is your tree too close to irrigation?

Desert trees often fall because they receive too much water. This may seem counterintuitive, but there are three reasons for this.

A smaller root ball does not anchor a tree

A tree that receives water from irrigation too close to the trunk of the tree will have a smaller root ball. That means the tree’s roots didn’t branch out two to three times further than the tree canopy like they were supposed to, but instead stayed close to the tree where there was easy access to water. If tree roots don’t grow far enough outward from the tree, they don’t form a very steady anchor for the tree and it is much more likely to topple.

Overwatered trees cause roots to slip

An overwatered tree will have loose, muddy soil near the base. In those conditions, roots don’t have anything to hold onto (especially if the root ball is small) and, as a result, the tree can easily fall.

This is often why you will see downed trees after a monsoon storm – the waterlogged soil didn’t provide enough stability or “grip” for the already-weakened trees.

Root rot can down your tree

Finally, overwatering can lead to root rot. If your roots have rotted, they won’t do a very good job of keeping your tree rooted.

The combination of poor pruning and overwatering has caused many desert trees to fall during monsoon storms, but there are several other reasons why your tree might fall.

Is your tree sick?

Regular inspections by an arborist can determine if your trees are at risk of falling. There are many factors that can contribute to the falling of trees, including pests and diseases that weaken and kill them. If left undiagnosed and untreated for too long, a windstorm or monsoon can become the final blow for an already-suffering tree.

One of the main culprits behind tree falls is infestation by pests such as beetles or borers. These pests burrow into the trunk and branches, causing structural damage and weakening the tree's overall stability. Additionally, diseases like root rot or fungal infections can also compromise a tree's health, making it more susceptible to toppling over during extreme weather conditions.

By having regular inspections conducted by a knowledgeable arborist, potential issues with your trees can be identified early on. This allows for timely intervention and appropriate treatments to be implemented to mitigate any risks. Proper pruning techniques can also help improve a tree's structural integrity and reduce the likelihood of falling.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to preserving the health and safety of your trees. Regular inspections by an arborist serve as a proactive measure in identifying potential hazards before they escalate into dangerous situations. So don't wait until it's too late - invest in professional assessments to ensure the longevity and stability of your beloved trees.

Is your tree damaged?

Understanding why trees fall is crucial for maintaining the safety and health of our surroundings. One key factor is the condition of the tree itself. Similarly, trees that have already suffered damage are more likely to fall in a storm. This includes trees that have been topped, a harmful practice that can severely weaken their structure and overall health.

External factors such as lightning strikes, broken limbs, improper pruning, and improper maintenance can also contribute to tree failure. Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to a tree's trunk or branches, compromising its stability. Broken limbs not only pose an immediate risk but also create entry points for diseases and pests that further weaken the tree.

Improper pruning techniques or maintenance practices can lead to structural imbalances within the tree, making it more susceptible to toppling over during storms or high winds.

It is important to recognize these potential causes of tree failure in order to prevent accidents and preserve our natural environment. Regular inspection by certified arborists, proper pruning methods, and prompt removal of damaged trees are essential steps towards ensuring the safety and longevity of our urban forests.

Does your tree have weak branches?

When it comes to branch strength, not all branches are created equal. Some branches possess inherent weaknesses that can lead to structural problems within the tree. Arborists are trained to identify these issues and take appropriate action. One common red flag is the presence of v-shaped branch crotches, where branches meet at a sharp angle.

V-shaped branch crotches tend to be weaker than U-shaped ones, as they have less wood connecting them to the main trunk. This structural flaw makes them more susceptible to failure, especially during harsh weather conditions or when bearing heavy loads such as snow or ice.

In addition to weak branch attachments, other factors like decay, disease, insect infestations, and environmental stressors can further compromise a tree's stability. Regular inspections by qualified arborists are essential in detecting these issues early on and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks.

Was there a violent storm?

Sometimes, you can do everything right and your tree still falls. Unfortunately, no tree is 100% safe from falling. The good news is that you can always replant and start again. Just ensure that you plant the right tree in the right place.