By Jonathan Woodside, Grow Monrovia August 2024
Recently, a tree fell on a house in our community, causing considerable concern among residents. While its natural to worry about the safety of our homes, its important to understand that tree
falls are not common and are often preventable. Some experts suggest that the recent tree fall in our area may have been caused by improper trimming and root damage from construction rather
than the health of the tree itself; however, the cause is still under investigation. Our urban forest plays a crucial role in our community, providing beauty, shade, and ecological benefits. This
recent incident was an avoidable anomaly and should not dissuade us from planting trees. Instead, it highlights the need for proper tree care and maintenance.
Understanding Tree Failure
Trees typically fall due to external factors rather than inherent weaknesses. Common causes include:
Construction Damage: Construction near trees can damage roots and destabilize them.
Improper Utility Trimming: Poor trimming can weaken trees or cause poor distribution of weight, necessitating additional care to maintain tree health and stability.
Severe Weather: Extreme weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, or ice storms can cause healthy trees to fail.
Soil Erosion: Erosion can weaken a tree’s root system, making it more susceptible to failing.
Preventing Tree Failure: Best Practices
Regular Inspections: Have a certified arborist inspect your trees regularly (every 4-5 years) to identify any signs of disease, decay, or structural issues.
Proper Pruning: Prune trees correctly to remove dead or weak branches, which can reduce the risk of falling branches without compromising the tree’s stability. Have your trees trimmed by a certified arborist before your tree is scheduled to be trimmed by utility companies.
Avoid Topping and Over Pruning: Cutting off the top of a tree can lead to weak regrowth, making the tree more vulnerable to wind damage. This drastic cutting method can cause stress and create multiple weak stems that are more likely to break and fall. Removing
too many branches can stress the tree, reduce its ability to produce food through photosynthesis, and lead to poor structure. Excessive removal of foliage reduces a tree’s energy production, can lead to sunscald, and may increase susceptibility to pests and
diseases.
Root Protection: During construction, protect the root zone by fencing it off and avoiding heavy equipment on or near it. Roots are essential for tree stability. Always hire a certified arborist before laying cement or doing any digging within the root zone of a tree.
Soil Health: Ensure your trees have healthy soil. Compacted soil can limit root growth. Aerate soil if necessary and mulch to retain moisture. Avoid placing heavy equipment within a tree's root zone, and especially avoid driving over the root zone.
Proper Planting: Plant trees appropriate for your region and ensure they have enough space to grow both above and below ground.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with a local certified arborist, visit www.growmonrovia.org.
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