What to Do When Wind Uproots a Tree
Whether they’re adding shade and beauty or providing privacy, trees are vital to our yards. However, gusting winds and heavy storms can uproot them.
The most common cause of uprooted trees is windthrow. Unlike trees in forests or groves, solitary trees are exposed to high winds. The winds can uproot them when they reach speeds of 75 mph or more.
Remove Debris
Trees are a beautiful and valuable part of your property. They provide shade, add to your home’s curb appeal, and protect your yard from the elements. But storm damage can cause serious problems for your trees, including uprooting. Strong winds can yank tree roots right out of the ground, and partially uprooted trees are a safety hazard that could fall over on your house or hurt someone walking by.
The best way to protect your property and prevent future damage is to remove debris as quickly as possible after a storm. This will reduce the risk of further wind damage and prevent your yard from becoming a tripping or falling hazard for you and your family.
Using a rake or blower, gather up any branches or pieces of a fallen tree and create a pile for disposal. You may need to hire a trash removal company to take the debris away for you. If you don’t have a trash service, you can use the pile to make mulch or burn it (if local laws allow).
Depending on the size of your uprooted tree, you might want to consider trying to save it by replanting it. But be sure to replant it in its original place and avoid twisting or turning the trunk as you do so, which could cause further root damage. Also, be sure to cover the roots with plenty of soil and water to avoid air pockets, which can dry out and kill the tree later.
Lift the Tree Upright
From their lush, green canopy in summer to the cascade of golds, browns, and auburns they add to the beauty of an autumn yard, trees are a big part of our yards. But when strong winds uproot them, the results can be devastating.
Wind is the number one cause of tree uprooting, and it requires a lot of force to pull up a tree and its roots from the ground. This is known as windthrow and can be more likely to occur when soils are wet or when the root system is damaged.
It is possible to save a tree that has been uprooted, but it depends on the condition of the tree and how severe the root damage was. If the tree is small, doesn’t have exposed root mass that will dry out in the summer sun, and receives adequate water, it has a good chance of survival.
If you decide to try and save an uprooted tree, cover the exposed roots right away to keep them from drying out. Then move the tree back into position, packing the dirt around it as you go, and make sure it gets ample water to avoid transplant shock. After that, prune a little to remove any broken branches and be careful not to disturb any remaining underground roots.
Replant the Tree
For small to medium-sized trees with shallow roots, the tree can be viable up to a day after being uprooted if it is replanted promptly and given proper care. However, this is not a guarantee that the tree will survive.
The type of soil the tree is growing in is another factor that can affect uprooting. Deep, rich, well-draining soils help to hold the roots and prevent them from easily being uprooted. Conversely, extremely loose or sandy soils do not provide the roots with much traction and may allow the roots to be uprooted more easily.
When replanting the uprooted tree, dig a hole that is wider and deeper than the root ball and carefully place it back into the planting area. Cover the roots with dirt to prevent drying out, gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Large and heavy trees may need to be staked to support them until the roots can reestablish themselves.
After the tree is replanted, be sure to monitor it regularly for signs of stress or disease. Keep the area around it free of debris, and be careful when using lawnmowers or other equipment in the vicinity. Also, apply a layer of mulch to the area to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In addition, provide a balanced fertilizer to the tree to help it recover from transplant shock and grow.
Monitor the Tree
Trees offer a long list of benefits for homeowners, from summertime shade to a winter cascade of auburn and gold leaves. They enhance the beauty of yards and gardens, create natural habitats for wildlife, and help reduce soil erosion. However, they can also be damaged by storms, including winds that uproot them.
For a tree to uproot, wind must produce an incredible amount of force to pull it out of the ground by its roots. The type of winds that cause this are usually produced by severe thunderstorms, Category 1 hurricanes, and F-1 tornadoes. Higher-category storms – F-3 and above – are more likely to snap tree trunks rather than uproot them.
After the storm, it’s important to monitor uprooted trees for signs of recovery. Check for ground upheaval that could indicate root destabilization, and seek professional assessment of ambiguous damage from an arborist.
If a tree has been successfully replanted, provide it with the proper care to promote growth and recovery. This includes covering exposed roots to prevent drying out, watering regularly during the first year, and applying balanced fertilizer. Be extra careful not to damage it with lawnmowers or other equipment, and avoid pruning too severely. Also, mulching can be helpful to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In addition, the replanted tree should be protected from transplant shock by regular monitoring to identify symptoms early on.
