Lessons Written in the Wind

Micro-bursts in 2010,  Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Super-storm Sandy which arrived in late October, 2012 caused major damage along the east coast of the USA and particularly on Long Island, New York.  These events provided a close look at the effects of extremely high winds on trees of varying species, condition/health, size and location.  While unexpected storms and their aftermath do not make for good controlled experiments, many of the trends and results point to issues that should be addressed in the future planning for tree care, removals and preservation.  Salt intrusion from flooding, desiccation from salt wind, soil failures causing the toppling of healthy oaks and torque related injuries in tree crowns have led us to conclude that not only do trees in poor condition need to be assessed and removed prior to failure.  Even healthy trees with adjacent targets should be looked at critically in light of current climate change and the increased probability of violent storms.  Plant selections for new trees, community forest decisions, pruning strategies and tree preservation efforts need to factor in climate issues, target assessment, soil types, potential wind-tunnel effects and irrigation in specific locations.  Landscape architects and arborists must use the lessons of their experience and observations of extreme weather to plan for the removal, preservation and planting of trees wisely.