words by George Hempel @The Tree Surgeon Professionals
Storm Damage and Tree Health
Storms and the damage they cause to trees and tree health can be a significant concern for homeowners and arborists alike. Today, we're diving into the nuances of how storms affect trees, and how you can mitigate the risks associated with storm damage. Be sure to listen to George's full talk for more detailed insights and practical advice!
Understanding Tree Behaviour in Storms
One of the most common fears people have is that storms will cause their trees to fall, often fuelled by sensational news reports of tree-related accidents. While it's true that a fallen tree can cause significant damage, it's important to remember that out of millions of trees, only a few actually fall during storms. This doesn't mean all trees are at risk, but there are certainly steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your tree becoming a statistic. George explains this in detail in his talk, providing valuable context and examples.
Pre-Storm Inspection and Care
Regularly inspecting your trees is crucial. Look for signs of ill health, such as:
Dead or missing leaves when they should be present
Sap oozing from the trunk, known as kino
Any unusual growths or changes in the tree’s structure
If you notice these signs, it might be time to consult a professional tree surgeon. They can assess the health of your tree, diagnose any issues, and provide long-term care solutions. George shares some practical tips on how to do these inspections yourself in his talk.
The Importance of Tree Health
Healthy trees are more likely to withstand strong winds and storms. Common weak points in trees include dead branches, malformed structures, and disease at junctions. For instance, borers at branch junctions or phellinus fungus in the fork of a tree can create significant weak spots. Ensuring your tree is healthy and robust is the best way to help it survive a storm. Listen to George as he explains how to identify these weak points and what to do about them.
Case Studies: Recent storm in the Blue Mountains
Recent storms have provided some insightful examples. In Lawson, a seemingly healthy tree fell because water damage had caused root anoxia, leading to root disease (phytophthora). This condition can be identified by the blackened, foul-smelling root bark.
Another case in Springwood involved a large gum tree. Despite the misconception that all gum trees are hazardous, this particular tree fell because its roots were damaged during a driveway renovation. The machinery used had cut and torn the roots on one side, leading to the tree's collapse. George delves into these real-world examples in his talk, offering a deeper understanding of what happened and why.
Human Impact on Tree Stability
Human activity often plays a significant role in tree failures during storms. Planting trees in groups can help them support each other and withstand strong winds. Trees in isolation, especially those that recently lost neighboring trees, can struggle to adapt to sudden changes in their environment. It typically takes about two years for a tree to adapt to new environmental conditions. When removing a nearby tree, consider doing it in stages to minimise the impact on other trees. George covers these important points and more in his comprehensive talk.
Post-Storm Actions
After a storm, it’s essential to assess any damage. If a tree has suffered damage, immediate dangers such as fallen trees blocking driveways or posing a threat to safety should be reported to emergency services like the SES or fire brigade. Once immediate dangers are addressed, assess the tree’s condition. If it's still standing but has broken branches, a tree surgeon can determine whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be removed. Council permission is generally not required for reparative work on storm-damaged trees, but it’s important to document the work and inform the council if necessary.
Regular inspections and understanding the impact of environmental changes can help prevent storm damage to trees. If in doubt, always consult a professional tree surgeon to ensure the health and safety of your trees.
Be sure to listen to George’s full talk for more detailed advice and to gain a deeper understanding of how to protect your trees from storm damage. His expertise and the examples he mentioned from the recent storm in the Blue Mountains will give you the knowledge you need to keep your trees healthy and safe.
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