Lessons Learned

These are some of the lessons we learned from the recent hurricanes that struck the southeastern US.

Root/Soil Issues

• Trees growing in confined soil spaces are prone to blowing over. More
• Root defects such as girdling roots cause trees to blow over. More
• Apparently healthy trees can blow down because supportive roots have decayed or soil becomes soft from saturation. More
• Large and old trees blow over; recently planted trees blow over; well established young to medium-aged trees are less likely to blow over. More
• Construction activities within about 20 feet of the trunk of existing trees can cause the tree to blow over more than a decade later. More
• Trees in shallow soils are more prone to blow over than trees rooted more deeply. More
• Uprooted trees can break underground utility lines such as water and sewer. More
• Trees become unstable in soils saturated by lots of rain. More
• Trees blow down in the prevailing wind direction. More
• Aerial roots help hold trees up. More
• Roots do not grow in compacted limestone. More

Cultural Issues

• Trees that are preventively pruned are less likely to fail than neglected trees. More
• Trees with one dominant trunk fair better than trees with codominant stems. More
• Trees with bark inclusions are prone to falling apart. More
• Large pruning cuts create decay and cracks that can lead to breakage in storms. More
• Trees in a group blow down less frequently than single trees.
• Tree trunks can be hollow without openings in the lower trunk; these are prone to failure in storms. More
• Trees that have failed before are likely to fail again. More
• Topped trees break. More
• Over-pruning palms can increase their susceptibility to damage in storms. More
• Recently cleared lots were very susceptible to tree damage. More

Species Issues

• Certain species appear more resistant to damage. More
• Certain species appear more susceptible to damage. More
• Old laurel and water oaks are prone to failure in hurricanes. More
• Queen palms are prone to falling over; washington palms break; royal palms loose foliage; cabbage and Phoenix palms are able to stand firm in many hurricanes. More

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• What to Do Following a Hurricane
  • Cleaning Up,
  • Assessing Damaged Trees,
  • Restoring Trees
• Establishing a Wind- Resistant Urban Forest
  • Wind & Trees,
  • Preventive Design,
  • Site Evaluation,
  • Selecting Southern Coastal Species,
  • Selecting Tropical & Subtropical Species,
  • Selecting Quality Nursery Trees,
  • Planting & Establishing
• Managing a Wind- Resistant Urban Forest
  • Pruning Young Trees,
  • Pruning Mature Trees,
  • Developing a Tree Management Plan
• PowerPoint Presentations
  • English,
  • Español
• More Solutions
  • Lessons Learned,
  • Treating Damaged Trees & Palms,
  • Restoration Pruning,
  • Preventing Problems,
  • Evaluating Hazards,
  • Nursery Concerns
• Other Resources