Understanding Causes and Recognizing Symptoms of an Unhealthy Tree – Plus, How to Provide Proper Tree Care:

Why do Trees Fall?

The sight of a fallen tree can be both awe-inspiring and a bit unsettling. We may wonder what caused such a majestic being to succumb to gravity. Trees are, after all, some of the most resilient and sturdy organisms on our planet. However, like all living things, trees are subject to a number of factors that can lead to their downfall. So, what forces cause a tree to come crashing down? Let’s delve into the main reasons behind tree failures.

Root Problems

Root Rot: One of the biggest culprits, root rot, occurs when fungal infections break down the tree’s root system. This undermines the tree’s structural integrity, making it vulnerable to even mild winds. Imagine a building without strong foundations, and you understand the situation.

Compacted Soil: If the soil around the tree is compacted, the roots struggle to expand and get the oxygen, water, and nutrients needed for growth. This creates a weakened root system, making the tree more likely to fail.

Damaged Roots: Construction, landscaping work, or even burrowing animals can damage a tree’s roots. This weakens its anchoring system, making it unstable and prone to falling.

Trunk Issues

Decay: Like root rot, decay within the trunk itself can severely weaken the tree. Rotting wood is brittle and less able to withstand forces of nature, like storms or wind.

Cracks and Splits: Vertical cracks and splits in the trunk, often caused by extreme temperatures or other trauma, can compromise the tree’s structural integrity.

Cankers: Cankers, are diseased or injured areas on the trunk, and can cause weakness and stress, increasing the risk of falling.

Canopy Concerns

Overly Dense Canopy: A very dense canopy acts like a giant sail, catching more wind and putting extra pressure on the trunk and roots. This can lead to the tree being uprooted or suffering a trunk failure.

Uneven Canopy: If one side of the canopy is much heavier than the other, this imbalance can make the tree more likely to fall.

Broken or Diseased Branches: Weakened, diseased, or broken branches that remain attached to the tree can add extra weight and torque, creating a vulnerability, especially during high winds or ice storms.

Environmental Factors

High Winds and Storms: Severe weather events are often the final factor that causes a tree to fall, especially if it is already compromised. High winds put huge stress on a tree, causing it to snap or uproot.

Heavy Snow and Ice: The weight of snow and ice can put immense strain on the branches, causing them to break and creating an unstable situation that may lead to the entire tree failing.

Soil Saturation: When the ground becomes saturated from heavy rainfall, the soil is not as stable and the root system of the tree has nothing to hold onto. This makes it easier for trees to fall, particularly when coupled with wind.

Tree Species

Species Weaknesses: Some tree types are genetically more prone to certain types of failures than others. For example, some trees have shallow root systems that make them more vulnerable to uprooting, while others have weaker wood that is more likely to snap.

Improper Pruning: Incorrect pruning can create weak points in the tree, leading to increased risk of failure. It’s crucial to use proper techniques and to seek expert help when needed.

The Importance of Tree Care

While we can’t always prevent trees from falling, we can reduce the risks with some good tree care
practices: regular inspections, proper pruning, ensuring the soil is not compacted, and removing
dead or diseased parts of the tree. It’s always a wise idea to consult a certified arborist if you
are worried about tree safety.

By understanding the causes of tree failures, we can take a proactive role in maintaining the health
and safety of the trees around us, and appreciate the resilience and fragility of these mighty
giants of the earth.

At Joe’s Tree Service, we take great pride in properly evaluating the condition of each tree we service, whether it’s a mature tree that needs trimming or pruning, or a young sapling that requires additional bracing. We can identify common problems like disease, infestation, and nutritional deficiencies and come up with a proper feeding plan that will ensure your trees remain healthy and thrive on your property.