When you wake up in the morning and see one of your favorite trees on the ground, it’s shocking and frustrating. Why do trees fall, and what can you do to prevent it the next time? Professionals specializing in tree removal in Great Falls, VA, can provide essential advice and tree care services that give your remaining plants the best possible chance at thriving.
Learn the most common reasons trees fall to the ground.
1. Stormy and Dangerous Weather Conditions
Severe weather conditions are among the most common reasons that trees fall unexpectedly. High winds or lightning strikes can damage the tree and compromise its stability. If it already had some weak areas, storms might place enough stress on these spots to cause it to fall.
2. Weakness in the Root Structure
A root system failure can cause a tree to fall. If the tree loses roots to disease or damage, it might lose its anchor to the ground, causing it to fall. When the soil is waterlogged from a thunderstorm, issues with weak roots become more problematic.
3. Damage From Diseases or Pests
If you see pest and disease damage on the fallen tree, this could answer the question: Why do trees fall? Damage from these situations could kill leaves, damage roots, or affect the ability of branches and limbs to flex in the wind. A severe weather event would then have a higher chance of knocking down the tree.
4. Weak Spots in the Trunk or Limbs
Tree structural weakness is one of the signs that a tree might fall soon. If the tree has a cavity in the trunk or a slight split in the area where the main limbs grow out of the trunk, it may fall from the stress of high winds or heavy rain that soaks the leaves.
5. Poor Soil Quality or Eroded Soil
If the soil quality is poor, it won’t have the nutrients needed to maintain the tree’s health. A tree that isn’t healthy is more likely to fall in severe weather.
Don’t dismiss soil erosion impact, either. If water washes away soil around the main root structure, it can compromise the tree’s stability, causing it to fall.
6. The Tree Is Dead and Needs Removal
A dead tree is at greater risk of falling than a live, healthy tree. If you have trees that are dead or that you suspect may be dead on your property, ask an arborist for an assessment or schedule an appointment for tree removal before it can fall.
Let the Experts at The Heart of Wood Keep Your Trees Healthy With a Free Consultation
At The Heart of Wood, our tree care experts can assess your trees and make recommendations for the best course of action. We’ll help you with understanding tree risk assessments while explaining the best steps to take to care for each species you have.
Rather than asking yourself, “Why do trees fall?” ensure that they remain upright with our help. For a free cost estimate and consultation, call The Heart of Wood today at (571) 482-0996.