Patch Expert: Keep Your Trees From Falling in Storms

After the wind storm we just experienced I was asked how to protect our trees--at least the ones still standing. The person asking was worried about further damage from subsequent storms.

Here, from me, an International Society of Arboriculture (ICA) certified Arborist, are a few tips:

Smaller trees

Make sure they are properly staked or cabled. Cables generally will not break if you install them properly. Visit your local landscape supply store. ( I did not say hardware store.) They have proper stakes and cables that professionals use.

Larger trees

There is not much you can do for them short term. Large trees topple for several reasons. One is that they are poorly anchored. This can be from over watering and/or planting lawn in their root zones.

Trees don't need to compete with grass for water and nutrients. Most folks overwater their lawns. This leads to shallow rooted trees which easily blow over in the wind.

Another reason they topple is the tree's roots have been cut by construction. Can you imagine trying to walk with no toes or feet. Gruesome! It's what many folk do to their trees.

Another factor besides the above can be poor soil. You have to choose where to plant your trees. Planting trees is just like buying real estate. The three most important words are location, location, location.

Best bet, get an ISA Certified Arborist.

You can find us online at the International Society of Arboriculture.

Another good resource is offered by the tree huggers of Pasadena at Pasadena Beautiful Foundation.

If you have any questions, contact me. I'd love to hear from you.

Robert Wagner
Branch Out Land (rw@branchout.com)