5 Raleigh-Area Trees Most Likely to Fall in Wind

Every tree is vulnerable to strong winds. However, experts from a top-rated tree trimming service in Wake Forest say some trees are at greater risk of falling in the wind. This article explores some of the trees most likely to fall in the wind and how to minimize the risk.

1. Trees With Shallow or Damaged Roots

The roots of trees planted in hard, compacted soils may have difficulty penetrating the ground and developing roots at the correct depth. Poorly watered trees may also grow shallow roots that do not anchor your tree properly, making it more vulnerable to falling in high winds.

In urban environments, builders and encroachment from construction projects usually damage or restrict tree roots. These events can weaken the tree root structure, making it more likely to lean and fall in strong winds.

2. Specific Tree Species

A major factor that affects a tree’s vulnerability to falling is the species. Some tree species are more naturally brittle, making them more susceptible to snapping in the wind. These species include Bradford pears, silver maples, and Norway maples.

If any of these trees grow on your property, consider calling a reputable arborist to remove some branches and reduce the weight to prevent snapping. Some tree species, including oaks and maples, start to develop multiple stems at the base.

It is critical to remove the extra stems because as they grow taller and older, they often push against each other during strong winds and heavy rain, and the weaker ones might fall.

3. Trees With Uneven Canopies

Other trees most likely to fall in the wind are those with uneven canopies. Poor pruning or lack of pruning can lead to your tree canopy and crown growing unevenly. Besides giving your tree an irregular look, these uneven parts can cause “crown twisting” in high winds.

Irregular winds that pass through the uneven crown result in a destructive twist on the stem and branches. This severe twisting causes the tree to crack and split, and it is especially harmful around old wounds, leading to tree failure.

It can be difficult for an untrained eye to identify these cracks. Therefore, you should hire an experienced arborist to inspect your trees for safety if you notice they have uneven canopies.

4. Tall Trees and Windthrow

As a tree grows taller, it becomes more susceptible to a problem known as windthrow. This problem occurs when high winds uproot a tree completely. Your tree’s tall trunk and full foliage combine to form a lever system.

When heavy winds hit the upper part of the tree and exert considerable force on the roots and lower trunk, it can uproot the entire root system from the ground, even with healthy trees. Slender coniferous trees, such as white spruce, cedar, and pines, are the most prone to windthrow.

5. Decayed Wood

Suppose your tree has a wound due to vandalism, incorrect pruning, lawn mower damage, or another factor. In that case, it may lead to decay-causing fungi penetrating the internal wood and destroying the tissue.

This destruction process weakens the tree’s structural stability over time and increases its susceptibility to falling in the wind. Some of the common signs of decayed wood include:

• Rotten wood
• Hollow holes
• Bulges
• Mushrooms
• Large cracks

If over 40% of the tree’s trunk or branches exhibit decay, the tree is more likely to fall in strong winds.

Final Thoughts

The above are some of the trees most likely to fall in the wind, and you should contact Raleigh Tree Service for emergency tree removal if you have any of these trees on your property.

Call Raleigh Tree Service at 919-889-5783 to learn more about our emergency tree services and get expert advice on how to select trees for your yard that are both resilient and suitable for your environment.