Last night, South Baton Rouge experienced some severe weather that left many properties damaged, including trees that didn’t survive the storm. We got called to work on a job involving total tree failure, and it’s a great opportunity to explain why this happens and what you can do to protect your trees.
There were a couple of critical factors at play with this particular tree that led to its collapse:
1. Poor Root Development:
On one side of the tree, there were very few significant roots supporting it. The major roots that should have been there were either missing or broken off long ago. Instead, only small, weak roots remained on that side.
2. Saturated Soil:
The area where the tree was standing was wet with standing water, creating what we call a saturated soil scenario. When soil is saturated, it loses its ability to firmly hold roots in place.
3. Spring Growth and Heavy Foliage:
The tree was in spring growth, meaning it had just developed a full canopy of brand-new leaves. This added weight puts additional stress on the root system.
4. Wind Stress:
Combine the heavy foliage, wet and unstable soil, and strong winds, and the tree was set up for failure.
Trees with poor root systems in saturated soil are highly vulnerable during storms. Even a healthy-looking tree can be at risk if its roots aren’t properly developed or if the ground around it is waterlogged.
Regular Tree Inspections: Have a professional assess the health and stability of your trees, especially after storms or in areas prone to flooding.
Root Zone Evaluation: While it’s not always easy to see roots, trained arborists can use techniques to determine if your trees have adequate root support.
Preventative Care: Proper watering, mulching, and pruning can improve root health and overall tree resilience.
If you’ve experienced storm damage or want to proactively protect your property, don’t wait! Our expert team at Louisiana Tree Service is ready to assess your trees and provide solutions to keep your property safe and beautiful.
