Danger of trees uprooting?

Discussion in 'Trees' started by "M", Jan 28, 2013.

  1. "M"

    "M" Total Gardener

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    After months of soggy weather and now high winds (they've just picked up again!) surely this heightens the risk of trees uprooting? :scratch:

    I do know one of the poplars at the end of my garden now has a couple of exposed roots (the soil has shrunk back around it from all the rain) and I can't help wondering if I should be looking for any particular signs that would indicate it is more (or less) likely to uproot?

    Such a worry.
     
  2. TreeTreeTree

    TreeTreeTree I know sh!t about trees

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    Signs of trees uprooting / potential to uproot:

    • Newly acquired leaning in one direction i.e, a day after heavy winds
    • Dips or raised areas in the ground around the tree showing signs of root damage
    • Swaying more than normal in windy weather
    • Cracks appearing on the stem
    • Cracks appearing in the ground
    • A tree lying on the floor, dead as...
     
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    • "M"

      "M" Total Gardener

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      Hopefully, it won't get to that point before I notice :heehee:
       
    • Phil A

      Phil A Guest

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      I'd be more worried about evergreens than Deciduous ones at this time of year, more wind loading.

      Very good point about the soil being saturated, there's a huge tree down near here, just at the part where the road has been flooded for months.
       
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      • TreeTreeTree

        TreeTreeTree I know sh!t about trees

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        Saturated ground can lead to increased risk of soil shear; whereby the loss of root/soil friction is lessened due to the lubricating effect of waterlogging. What with the extra mechanical loading of snow, ice and wind it can easily all be too much for trees or parts of trees. This is when the prudent tree owner should engage a professional arborist to take a look at their trees to gauge the potential of failure and recommend any work, if any is needed.
         
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        • lisa caroline

          lisa caroline Gardener

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          hi mum
          we have poplars also, and end of last year we noticed exposed roots aswell
          our neighbour actually noticed it before us, he had tied some rope to one of the branches with a weight on the end, when he was certain this weight was getting lower to the floor, he knew that the trees were starting to lean over
          we had to have 2 taken out, big shame for the trees, but would have been a bigger shame if they fell on my son while he was playing out
           
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