When you look outside after a severe storm, you might see that one of your favorite trees has fallen. Then, you might ask, “Why do trees fall?” Professionals offering tree services in Valrico, FL, can explain common causes of tree uprooting and take steps to prevent trees from falling during storms.
Severe Weather Is a Common Reason Trees Fall
Some of the most important weather factors that topple trees include lightning strikes, high winds, hail, and flooding rains. Rain and hail can soften the soil around the base of the trunk, meaning roots might pull out of the ground when strong winds place stress on the canopy. A lightning strike could split the trunk, causing a large section of the canopy to crash to the ground.
Professionals can help you take steps to prevent trees from falling during storms, including increasing fertilizer treatments aimed at strengthening roots and improving soil quality. If a tree is already leaning, the experts could add cables and anchors to support the trunk in the upright position.
If the plant has an extremely heavy canopy or is growing thicker on one side, winds in a storm could topple it. Professionals might trim the heavier sections of the tree, allowing it to withstand heavy winds.
Poor-Quality or Saturated Soil Increases the Risk of Falling
Understanding how soil and roots affect tree stability is important when you’re worried about a trunk potentially falling. Soil saturated with heavy rain is soft. The roots might not be able to maintain their anchor to the ground in soft soil, causing the trunk to lean or fall to the ground.
So, why do trees fall? If the soil’s quality is poor, the roots might grow shallow instead of deep. Shallow roots are less likely to hold the tree upright in severe weather. If the roots have fungus or insect damage, they might also be unable to hold the trunk upright in poor weather.
Weak or Damaged Trunks May Collapse
A trunk with hollow spots or severe cracks could collapse in a storm. However, it might also break loose on a calm day because of the weak area. There’s no way to predict when the trunk might collapse.
When they notice severe damage in the trunk, professionals might recommend cutting the tree down before it can fall. Trunks struggle to recover from hollow spots, even with aggressive treatments from professionals. Felling is often the safest option.
Trust Central Florida Tree Care for Advice on Preventing Trees From Falling
If you notice signs of leaning trunks, cracked limbs, or roots exposed from the ground, these are signs that a tree may fall sooner rather than later. Why do trees fall? Weather, trunk damage, soft soil, and root problems can all be reasons trees fall over in Valrico, FL. Understanding the dangers of overgrown trees and their risk of falling because of the odd growth is also important.
The team at Central Florida Tree Care can assess the situation, explain what you’re seeing, and advise you on the best steps to follow. For a free cost estimate, contact us today at (863) 670-7375.
