[StBernard] Trees can withstand water and wind damage: Words to Grow By

[Westley Annis]

Trees can withstand water and wind damage: Words to Grow By
Print NOLA Community By NOLA Community 
on August 01, 2013 at 7:09 AM, updated August 01, 2013 at 7:11 AM

The passage of weather fronts at this time of year can produce some awesome
thunderstorms that may down a lot of trees and scatter limbs and related
debris on property around the state. Being a coastal state, Louisiana is a
high-risk area for storms. 

The damage potential of trees to the homestead and grounds can be reduced by
planning ahead, and if any trees are damaged, homeowners may be able to
restore them to good health.

A tree's ability to withstand wind and water damage varies with the species.
Wind resistance depends on the interaction of a number of factors: strength
of the wood, shape and size of the crown, extent, depth and type of root
system, soil moisture and the shape and height of the trunk.

No tree species has perfect wind resistance, but live oak, palm, cypress and
longleaf pine survive best. They have the favorable combination of deep,
well-established lateral and tap roots with strong trunks.

Wood of live oak is exceedingly strong, decay resistant and resilient. The
cypress, which has a tap root, has relatively weak wood, but its crown is so
sparse and its foliage so limber that it is also wind-firm.

Other deep-rooted species that often ride out storms with little damage are
the blackgum and longleaf pine.

Tall, shallow-rooted trees are easily uprooted, especially after the soil
has been saturated by heavy rains. In Louisiana, these include ash, willow,
cottonwood, sweetgum, dogwood, oak, pecan and maple.

Trees with somewhat brittle wood are the pecan, slash pine, willow and
cottonwood.

Trees growing in sandy soils are more deeply rooted than those growing in
clay or soils with a hardpan or a high watertable. Although rooting habits
vary according to the soil profile, each species has a characteristic
pattern of growth.

A tree's height also is a factor in wind damage. The taller it is, the
greater its chance of breaking or uprooting, especially if the trunk has
little taper. For this reason, tall, slim cottonwoods, pines, ashes, oaks,
gums and yellow poplars are particularly vulnerable.

Open-crowned and lacy-foliaged trees, such as cypress, offer less resistance
to the wind and are better able to withstand storms. However, magnolia,
beech and some oak trees, with their heavy, wind-catching foliage, are
affected more than their root system and trunk structure would indicate.

During hurricanes, winds often carry salt water inland for a considerable
distance, causing leaves saturated by the salty water to turn brown and
appear to be burned. Most of these trees will not die and should not be cut.
Unbroken, wind-whipped trees often will lose leaves and some growth, but
most of them will put on new foliage and recover.

It is recommended to check damaged trees closely for health problems,
particularly bark beetle attacks of pines. Small leaning trees should be
straightened quickly and anchored to prevent further damage and undesirable
shaping.

To protect tree vigor and to avoid future storm damage, remove forks and
weak limbs, repair tree damage, brace weak trees and improve drainage if
necessary. The removal of large, weak, hollow or dangerous trees is always a
major safety consideration.

The ideal time to plan ahead is in the original selection and planting of
trees. Plant the proper species for the site, always considering the tree's
growth habits, its soil, water and other development needs and the potential
for damage. Avoid species that are damage prone.

Do not plant them close to the home where they can inflict considerable
property damage if they split or topple. Always allow ample space for normal
tree growth and development.

For more information contact Alan Vaughn, County Agent, Plaquemines/St.
Bernard Parish at 504-433-3664 or 504-278-4234.