07415 - 2009
Storm Damage to Landscape Trees: Prediction, Prevention, Treatment
Copyright © 2011 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
This is a Web Sampler. Information about the complete publication and how to order it is available here.
Contents
The Damage
In the upper Midwest, wind and ice storms are common, and often cause tremendous damage to individual trees and urban forests. These storms can cause weakly attached branches or leaders to separate and rip trees apart.
Trees with stem girdling roots or inadequate root systems may blow over or break off at the ground line.
Whatever the case, these effects can cause both personal and property damage.
Figure 1. Tree losses from tornadoes are usually catastrophic. Often, sentimental value connected to trees is lost and is not likely to be replaced with just just another new tree.
Photo by Gordon Herbst
Figure 2. Trees often split open at weak attachments and multiple leaders.
Photo by Diana Bolander
Figure 3. Roots cut during construction may leave trees unstable and more prone to windthrow.
Photo by Gary R. Johnson
Figure 4. Personal and property damage often occurs with severe storms.
Photo by Diana Bolander
Figure 5. Economic losses frequently reach high levels after storm damage has occurred. Losses include the cost of the collection and disposal of wood "waste" that is generated from the damaged trees.
Photo by Jim Hermann
