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Aerial roots help hold some trees erect in storms
Aerial roots should be left on ficus and other spreading trees that normally develop them. As branches grow longer aerial roots emerge from the branch and grow to the soil. This helps hold the branch on the tree.
They also act to hold the tree firm in the soil. When wind blows on the canopy the aerial roots that are secured into the ground act to reduce the likelihood of the tree falling over.
This Ficus bengalensis (banyan tree) stood firm in 120 mph winds. The canopy measures more than 100 feet across. Some 3-5 inch diameter branches broke but the tree will recover from this relatively mild damage.
Ficus with aerial roots left intact faired well in hurricanes.
Ficus trees with aerial roots removed blew over by the hundreds or more.
