Why Irene Toppled Trees in R.I. Cities, Along Coast
By TIM FAULKNER/ecoRI News staff
If you don't count the 325,000 electricity customers or the 200 downed utility poles, trees suffered most of the damage from tropical storm Irene.
By most accounts, it could have been worse. But as the National Weather Service predicted earlier this year, more storms could be on the way.
Here's how experts assess the latest damage and advise how to deal with future storms.
Tree damage
The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) classified tree damage from Irene into three categories: sheered tops, split branches and toppled trees. Wind gusts between 50 and 65 mph brought down limbs on solitary, exposed trees in parks, at homes and along streets. By contrast, trees in groves, woodlands and forests were buffeted from winds and therefore sustained less damage, according to the DEM.
Trees with long branches and split growth in the stems and trunk were likely to break apart in the upper regions of the tree. Trees with weak vertical branching and rotted cavities were especially susceptible to losing limbs.
Toppled trees, referred to as "total tree failure," were the result of rain-softened soil and strong winds. Last Sunday's initial bout of heavy rain weakened the trees' bond with the root system.
The wind then forced trees to slide and shift on an "unstable root plate" and topple in winds as low as 20 to 30 mph. Thus, trees along streets and in urban areas with limited soil space for roots, as well as trees in low-lying areas with high water tables, were hard hit.
A survey performed by the Rhode Island Tree Council Project estimated that a whopping 14 percent of trees in Warwick were damaged by the storm. The council also noted that trees in coastal and forested areas with open space to the south and east suffered the most losses.
Assessing damaged trees
DEM officials said these trouble signs in surviving trees may mean the tree is a hazard. It recommends taping off the area around the tree and seeking help from a certified arborist:
• Cracks on limbs or the trunk.
• A slight lean in the trunk.
• Exposed roots.
• A depression or raised soil at the base of the tree.
Keep an eye on trees in wet areas with poor drainage and exposure to wind.
Rudi Hempe, a science writer with the University of Rhode Island, suggests avoiding planting trees that are known to break and fall in strong wind, like white pines, Norway maples and silver maples.
"Near your house, you should really plant small-statured trees to minimize the danger," Hempe said.
His favorites for planting near buildings: dogwoods, Japanese maples and stewartia.
Local help with cleanup
Check with you public works department to find out what to do with your fallen tree and yard debris.
Most fallen timber is being shredded and composted at municipal facilities or provided to local nurseries for use as wood chips or compost. Do be afraid to ask your DPW for some of the shredded wood. They have plenty.
If you don't count the 325,000 electricity customers or the 200 downed utility poles, trees suffered most of the damage from tropical storm Irene.By most accounts, it could have been worse. But as the National Weather Service predicted earlier this year, more storms could be on the way.
Here's how experts assess the latest damage and advise how to deal with future storms.
Tree damage
The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) classified tree damage from Irene into three categories: sheered tops, split branches and toppled trees. Wind gusts between 50 and 65 mph brought down limbs on solitary, exposed trees in parks, at homes and along streets. By contrast, trees in groves, woodlands and forests were buffeted from winds and therefore sustained less damage, according to the DEM.
Trees with long branches and split growth in the stems and trunk were likely to break apart in the upper regions of the tree. Trees with weak vertical branching and rotted cavities were especially susceptible to losing limbs.
Toppled trees, referred to as "total tree failure," were the result of rain-softened soil and strong winds. Last Sunday's initial bout of heavy rain weakened the trees' bond with the root system. The wind then forced trees to slide and shift on an "unstable root plate" and topple in winds as low as 20 to 30 mph. Thus, trees along streets and in urban areas with limited soil space for roots, as well as trees in low-lying areas with high water tables, were hard hit.
A survey performed by the Rhode Island Tree Council Project estimated that a whopping 14 percent of trees in Warwick were damaged by the storm. The council also noted that trees in coastal and forested areas with open space to the south and east suffered the most losses.
Assessing damaged trees
DEM officials said these trouble signs in surviving trees may mean the tree is a hazard. It recommends taping off the area around the tree and seeking help from a certified arborist:
• Cracks on limbs or the trunk.
• A slight lean in the trunk.
• Exposed roots.
• A depression or raised soil at the base of the tree.
Keep an eye on trees in wet areas with poor drainage and exposure to wind.
Rudi Hempe, a science writer with the University of Rhode Island, suggests avoiding planting trees that are known to break and fall in strong wind, like white pines, Norway maples and silver maples.
"Near your house, you should really plant small-statured trees to minimize the danger," Hempe said.
His favorites for planting near buildings: dogwoods, Japanese maples and stewartia.
Local help with cleanup
Check with you public works department to find out what to do with your fallen tree and yard debris.
Most fallen timber is being shredded and composted at municipal facilities or provided to local nurseries for use as wood chips or compost. Do be afraid to ask your DPW for some of the shredded wood. They have plenty.
