Can your arboreal specimens withstand the next big storm? Trees are robust organisms that can withstand a lot of abuse from harsh weather, but they’re not indestructible.
As the go-to crew for tree removal services in Lilburn, GA, we at Georgia Tree Company know the impacts of rising gust intensity on living landscapes. Learn more about it here.
How Much Wind Can Trees Handle Before Breaking?
What wind speed is dangerous for trees? If you haven’t already, purchase an anemometer or wind-measuring device. Record your area’s readings, especially when the forecast predicts storms.
Smaller, weaker branches may start to sway or bend in gusts as low as 20 to 39 mph. When the speed picks up and enters the 40 to 50 mph range, larger limbs with structural weaknesses are more likely to break off.
Sustained winds of 55 to 63 mph can uproot or break large specimens. A 2016 study by Ecole Polytechnique and ESPCI ParisTech found that all trees break at wind speeds of just 90 mph.
Learn What Impacts Tree Structural Limits
What wind speed is dangerous for trees? While the severity of the weather is the primary determining factor for damage, the following elements also play a role.
Tree Species
What specimens are currently gracing your yard? Some varieties, such as poplars and willows, have slender, flexible branches that sway in the wind. Pines, spruces, and other trees with strong but rigid limbs are slightly more prone to breakage.
Soil Structure
The ground beneath a tree greatly impacts its stability. Loose, sandy soil compositions may not provide as much support as those with higher concentrations of clay.
Keep in mind that extremely dense, compacted ground is not ideal, either. These conditions make it harder for trees to grow dense root systems and increase the likelihood of uprooting.
Root Growth
Partial tree uprooting can happen when a tree has shallow roots.
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage roots to grow downward, rather than spreading along the surface. Early mornings or evenings are the optimal times to do this because there’s less evaporation.
Tree Condition
A weakened tree with a compromised structure is far more vulnerable to strong winds. Pay closer attention to specimens with the following symptoms:
- Leaning or tilting trunk
- Cracks or splits in the bark
- Dead or decaying branches
- Sparse or discolored foliage
- Fungal growth at the base or on the trunk
A tree’s age also influences its wind resistance. Younger, more flexible specimens may have a slightly lower risk of large branch breakage or trunk snapping.
Dependable Tree Specialists in Lilburn
What wind speed is dangerous for trees? From minor branch failure to a full uprooting, anything above 40 mph can pose a threat.
At Georgia Tree Company, we can prune and maintain your trees to help them withstand harsh weather conditions. Our team also removes high-risk specimens that could damage your property or cause injuries during storms.
Call 404-990-0010 or read more of our blog and learn the top warning signs of tree emergencies.