Forestry and Natural Resources

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FNR-FAQ-12-W

CLIMATE CHANGE
Trees and Storms
Author:
Introduction
Lindsey Purcell,
Urban Forestry Specialist, Trees are lost every year from storm-related Typical weather events are not an issue for
Purdue University events. Major damage to parts of the tree trees. They are engineered to withstand
Department of or even the entire tree can result from high normal conditions. However, some storms
Forestry & Natural winds, snow and ice. Historic, specimen can exert extreme forces, resulting in
Resources and significant trees provide value to the injuries of varying degrees. It is at this point
landscape and the community, and these that a tree owner or manager must make
trees can become aesthetic, financial an informed decision based on the extent
and social losses in storms. In addition to of the damage. The assistance of a trained
physical damage or loss, risk and liability arborist can help determine if a tree can
can become a concern to people and the be saved from sustained injuries, or if it
surrounding property. Seasonal storms requires removal.
can cause extensive damage depending
on timing and intensity. Deciding what to
do with damaged trees is an important
process.
Over time, trees swaying in the wind
develop extra strength to withstand
directional forces. If conditions are
consistent, trees will initiate changes in
their development to compensate for these
loading patterns. They are biologically
engineered to adjust to external loading,
under normal conditions. This fiber strength
can minimize the impact of external forces,
unless they are excessive, such as during
a storm. Typically, these loads come from
wind. However, ice and snow also can
cause damage from excessive weight on
branches.
 FNR-FAQ-12-W Trees and Storms

The response to storm damage should be based primarily

on two concepts: risk and sustainability. If the tree is an
imminent or likely danger to people, property or activities,
the decision leaves little room for options. However, if
the residual risk from the damage is determined to be of
an acceptable level and the injury to the tree not life-
threatening, mitigation may be possible to save the tree
and reduce the danger.
There are several types of tree damage that occur from
violent weather. Each has its own specific assessment
considerations. All parts of the tree should be inspected
during a post-storm assessment. Some common damage
found includes:
Wind Throw
The entire tree is “pushed over” by high winds. The
loading forces on the aerial tree portions are too great for
the developed root system. Previous harm from activities
such as construction damage, lack of maintenance and Tree trunks fail at their weakest points, causing them to snap or
attacks from pests predisposes the tree to damage with break.
poor anchorage or health. Inspect the root plate of each
tree on a regular basis to determine if there are any root determine the degree of risk for that location. Look for
health issues. Look for fungal fruiting bodies, exposed decayed areas, cavities, nesting holes and fungal fruiting
roots, lifting or other damage. Larger or more mature bodies for indicators. The extent and location of these
trees that have been completely uprooted are typically defects will help the arborist determine the potential for
not salvageable. failure.
Crown Twist
The tree canopy contains an array of leaves, twigs and
branches that make up the crown portion of the tree.
Many times, the crown can have an uneven geometry
from competition or poor pruning, leaving an unequal
appearance. The result of this situation in high winds
can be trouble. Uneven wind loading on the lopsided
crown produces a damaging twist on major branches
and the stem. This twisting causes torsional stress,
much like twisting a rope backwards, resulting in splits

Excessive winds uproot large trees with weak root systems.

Stem Failure
Trees will fail at their weakest point. Typically, failure
is caused by the combination of a defect and external
forces. Old injury sites or wounds are common on tree
trunks, and these damaged areas can lead to tree failure
under excessive loads. Also, trees newly exposed to
prevailing winds from development or removal can be
at greater risk. Trunks can snap or buckle if the tree is
unable to withstand the wind forces. Damage from stem
failure usually cannot be repaired. Trees with major Winds causing a twist of the trunk can leave dangerous splits and
defects on the trunk should be examined carefully to cracks.

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 FNR-FAQ-12-W Trees and Storms

and cracking. This is especially damaging around old Poor architecture and development, such as codominant
wounds or other defects, which can lead to failure. Close stems and included bark in branch junctions,
investigation is necessary to spot these often-subtle predisposes branches to failure and often are the first
cracks. Often this damage can be mitigated in branches; to experience damage. Branch failure can be easily
however, take caution with damaged trunks. repaired and not lethal to the tree unless more than
half the crown has been destroyed. However, they can
Root Failure create high-risk situations in the wrong places. Learn to
Stability and anchorage are important roles of the root recognize dead, broken, hanging limbs or other signs
system for keeping a tree upright. Both the structural, of damage to reduce risk. Often twisted and cracked
woody roots and the fine absorbing roots create an branches are difficult to see and may need closer
effective network of strength to withstand wind-loading inspection by an arborist to identify. Be sure to use
forces. As the tree becomes larger, increased stress is pruning best practices when correcting damage in the
put on the roots to maintain stability. crown.
Roots that are restricted, diseased or damaged can There are other forms of damage, such as lightning
cause trees to lean and fall. Careful examination of damage, which can be detrimental and even lethal to
the root plate is needed to determine if anchorage is trees. A certified arborist or qualified consulting arborist
compromised. Look for heaving soil and roots around can help provide a prognosis.
the tree trunk, which can present a high-risk situation.
The presence of pulled or broken roots, as well as any
mushroom development around the root system, also
can be indicators of defects in the roots. Depending on
the age, size and degree of exposure, mitigation may be
possible. Young trees with healthy roots systems can be
up righted and staked or guyed with success. However,
if more than 30 percent of the roots are exposed,
removal may be the better option.

Root failure often leaves trees leaning. Look for exposed roots after Damage to branches, such as shear plane cracks, should be
high wind storms. removed by proper pruning.

Branch Failure Storm Damage Prevention

Tree branches are easy victims of loading forces. It is impossible to protect a tree from storms or prevent
Whether it is axial loading from snow or ice accretion damage from weather events. However, there are some
or lateral, side loading from wind, damage is frequent. actions that can minimize injury to trees.
Because branches can sometimes be poorly attached The best preparation begins when trees are young
to the main stems, they can easily experience injury. or newly planted. Do not stake or guy trees unless
However, this structural arrangement allows the absolutely necessary. This prevents development of
branches to be flexible and disposable, and easily shed internal adjustments to wind with response wood
in times of stress to help dampen the impact of wind, growth. Let the tree adjust to local conditions by
minimizing damage to the larger, structural branches. allowing natural movement.

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 FNR-FAQ-12-W Trees and Storms

Functional pruning helps trees form a healthy, more

wind-resistant crown. Inspection and corrective pruning
of newly planted trees produces a stronger structure.
Eliminate codominant stems by pruning these weak-
forked branches. Choose a good, strong central leader
for young trees. This will prevent losing the whole crown
in the future. Choose branches with even spacing,
radially around the tree for balance and symmetry.
Inspect trees for broken, dying, diseased and dead
branches each year. Also, conduct a visual assessment
after a storm event. Look for crossing branches, which
lead to problems where rubbing produces damage
and decay. Always favor branches with a “U” shape
or greater than 45° angle, which forms an optimal
connection. These branches will have fewer tendencies
to split or break from wind or ice loads. Eliminate
branches with bark inclusion and tight or narrow branch
junctions. Branch training is essential for sustainable, Codominant stems on this maple, as well as included bark, are more
long-term tree plantings. prone to splitting.
Under no circumstances should a tree be “topped” to
placement to dampen the wind energy affecting them.
prevent wind or ice damage. Topped trees produce
Excessive and unnecessary pruning creates wounds
many small, poorly attached sprouts and as they grow,
and additional stress on tree health. Allow the tree
the canopy weight and density is actually increased.
to develop fully and naturally by pruning only when
In addition, topped branches often develop decay and
needed. However, proper health care includes pruning
diseased stems, which further weakens the tree and
for vigor. This includes removing dead, dying or diseased
makes the branches more susceptible to breakage.
branches, poor branch attachments, crossing branches
Topping may seem to make a tree safer, but it actually
and narrow branch angles. After this functional pruning,
increases the potential for storm damage with unhealthy
some thinning is achieved to reduce drag or sail in the
epicormic sprouting and additional decay in the stems.
canopy.
A healthy tree is the best defense to any challenge the
tree may face in its lifetime. Appropriate watering and
fertilization improves root growth and structure, making
the tree more stable. Monitor for pest problems and
treat when needed to prevent insects and diseases from
weakening tree health. Remove diseased branches, as
needed, to minimize spread and potential damage.

Tree topping is an unhealthy practice.

When mature trees develop unequal crowns, prune to

improve symmetry. However, remember pruning best
practices and never remove more than 30 percent of the
crown at one time. It may take several years for crown
restoration. Good pruning techniques also promote
faster healing of the cuts.
Do not try to “wind-proof” the tree by thinning out
branches. Trees rely on proper branching habits and This tree has good branch structure with strong attachments.

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 FNR-FAQ-12-W Trees and Storms

Risk Assessment properly to a healthy state and which trees should be

removed. Many factors are involved in the decision,
Following a severe storm event, not all trees will need
and damage may be hidden or difficult to determine. It
to be pruned or removed, and many will need little or
is critical to get a professional arborist with credentials
no treatment. After identifying the type of damage, risk
to conduct the assessment and the work required to
mitigate the injured parts of the tree.
• Match skills with the situation when it comes to
reparation of damages and restoration. Be able to
recognize when tree damage requires advanced
training and is best handled by the arborist. Tree work
is dangerous and the hazards are compounded when
storm damage is involved. Leaning trees, broken and
pinned branches, as well as utility lines, can create
life-threatening situations.
• Basic cleanup can be helpful in the post-storm
response process. Removing downed branches and
© Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, NZ

limbs, and performing basic pruning on smaller,

injured trees, can help speed recovery from the event.
This also provides for a better evaluation of the site
and the larger affected trees.
Hire a Certified Arborist
One key to dealing with the challenges of storm damage
is to consult a qualified tree service. Finding a qualified
Functional pruning creates a healthier tree that is less prone to tree care professional is important protection for the
damage from ice and wind. property owner. Sometimes less credible companies
follow storms to take advantage of a bad situation.
assessment is the priority. One of the more critical tasks Knowing how to hire a reputable arborist can protect a
for the property owner is determining an acceptable property owner from being victimized. A professionally
level of risk. It is the responsibility of a tree owner or trained arborist can determine if a tree can be saved.
manager to maintain and manage their trees to protect Even if the tree must be removed, safety and training
the safety of others. This usually requires assistance are needed to prevent additional damage or injury from
from a well-qualified arborist. the removal. An International Society of Arboriculture
Certified Arborist can help save a tree or improve
Post-Storm Response: the risk situations that follow storms. Also, choosing
• Safety first! Stay clear and look for dangerous hanging an accredited company brings the highest level of
limbs, broken branches and other failures before standards for client satisfaction and safety.
beginning cleanup or inspections. Keep others clear of A list of qualified arborists can be obtained by
the areas beneath and around damaged trees. Be alert contacting the following sources:
for power lines that could be involved with damaged
trees. All utility lines should be considered energized • International Society of Arboriculture website.
and dangerous. https://www.isa-arbor.com/

• Damage assessment is the next step. Review the • Tree Care Industry Association website.
affected tree or trees to determine the level of injury. https://www.tcia.org/
Some trees may not require any action and can For more information contact: Department of Forestry
recover on their own. The challenging part of the and Natural Resources Extension Office, 765-494-
assessment is deciding which trees can be pruned 3583.

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