Escape Modesto tree damage in wind but wonder if you’re at risk? Here’s some advice.
Fallen trees damaged cars, fences, homes and other property when strong winds ripped though the rain-soaked Modesto area on Tuesday.
If you were fortunate enough to escape harm, here’s some information to keep it that way:
A combination of saturated soil and strong winds can cause trees to uproot because trees’ movement in a storm can turn soil into “gravy-like consistency,” according to Auburn University’s Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Alabama University’s tree science specialists also noted factors of tree failure to consider of before heavy winds and rain have the chance to take out a tree, including: the mismanagement of landscaped trees, root decay, trees in compacted soil and tight spaces.
North Carolina-based Integrity Tree Care company details even more noticeable signs of unhealthy or dying trees. It states ignoring these signs can cause trees to fall and potentially cause injury or property damage.
In California, the stress put on trees – especially old ones – by drought and heat can weaken their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to insect infestation, disease and parasites such as mistletoe, a Modesto arborist told The Bee several years back. “That one thing, lack of water, can lead to numerous problems,” said Joseph Anderson, owner and operator of Modesto tree and landscape company California Roots and a member of the International Society of Arboriculture.
Some things to look out for are:
- Seeing sticks everywhere on the ground and noticing brittle branches.
- Noticing bark peeling or falling off. This could indicate nutrient deficiency and you might be able to save the tree before it gets too bad.
- Seeing fungus or rot. This can also be taken care of in the early stages, so keep an eye out.
- Seeing the tree leaning. This signifies the tree is already dead or is fatally injured.
- Open wounds on the tree caused by the loss of a large limb or lightning strike.
- Absense of leaves can be a sign of other problems like pests or root damage.
- Noticing termites or pests.
- Noticing root damage, especially after disruption from a construction project.
- Lacking the green color under the bark.
Six species of trees are especially susceptible to falling over because they live in wetter soils, according to an article by Clean Cuts Trees, a professional removal in Salt Lake City.
Take note if you have any of these types of trees in or around your property: white spruce, cedar, bradford pears, balsam fir, willow oaks and water oaks.
Clean Cuts notes that certain distinguishing features may also put trees at risk for falling in strong winds such as, having shallow or damaged roots, being too tall, having two trunks or uneven canopies.
If you find yourself hoping to remove trees with these risk factors, you can search for an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist on TreesAreGood.org.
In Modesto, call 209-342-2253 for tree emergencies. The city has a knowledgeable staff of arborists and tree risk assessors. Residents with concerns about the safety of a tree can call 209-342-2249 to request it be looked at.
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 7:23 AM.
