When a major storm is forecasted in north-central Georgia, you might worry about the health of your trees. How much wind can a tree withstand? Gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour can cause significant damage, but a professional offering tree services in Johns Creek, GA, can perform preemptive work to mitigate that risk.
Learn how a storm damage risk assessment could help reduce the potential of broken limbs and split trunks before the next storm hits.
Maximum Wind Speeds That Could Damage Trees
Studies show that almost all trees break when wind speeds reach 90 mph. Regardless of the size of the tree, the thickness of the foliage, and the flexibility of the branches, the physical properties of wood simply cannot withstand such intense forces.
As for speeds below that threshold, tree wind resistance varies by species.
Some Trees May Suffer Damage in Less Wind
Understanding the durability of tree species is a key aspect of answering the question: How much wind can a tree withstand? Each species has a particular storm wind load it can tolerate. Trees with more flexible branches and trunks will survive stronger winds than more brittle varieties. Species like willows are more susceptible to damage at wind speeds around 60 or 70 mph than oaks, for example.
All trees are flexible to some extent, allowing them a certain level of resilience. However, a brittle, older tree with several dead branches has a greater chance of suffering damage when wind speeds are high than a healthy, young tree.
How To Protect Your Trees From Wind Damage
Effective ways to protect your trees from wind damage include:
- Trimming old branches
- Treating disease
- Eliminating pests
- Staking and cabling young trees
Local arborists can inspect your trees well before the next storm arrives and advise you on steps they might take to minimize wind damage issues in the canopy. Additionally, root stability and soil conditions play a significant role in a tree’s potential to fall in high winds, and arborists are uniquely qualified to address any root problems they discover. They might add fertilizer to improve root health or place mulch around the base of the tree to help it retain moisture and strengthen roots.
To Prepare for the Next Storm in Johns Creek, GA, Contact ATL Tree Work for an Inspection
When a thunderstorm is a few minutes away, it’s probably too late to ask yourself: How much wind can a tree withstand? However, you can plan ahead with the experts at ATL Tree Work to perform tree care services that improve the trees’ chances of avoiding damage. Our experts will remove dead branches and inspect trees on your property for structural defects to prepare them for any upcoming storms.
Should you suffer tree damage after a storm, read our emergency tree service guide to learn which steps you should take. To obtain a free cost estimate for any of our services, call ATL Tree Work at (470) 357-3741.