Storm Damage
Every year there are storms that rolls in and cause minor to major damage to trees. Storm damage to trees usually comes in six ways - either blown down, stem failure, crown twist, root failure, branch failure and lightning strike. A tree can be blown down due to high winds such as a tornado, hurricane or a downburst.
Stem Failure
Stem failure is where the stem on a tree is damaged. Trees do not heal wounds; rather they just grow over the old wounds making the stem weaker. Crown twist is where broken limbs cause an asymmetrical tree. This asymmetry causes heavy winds to exert a heavy torque on the major branches of the tree a can cause the tree to fall.
Root Failure
Root failure is when the roots that support the tree are damaged. This can be done by boxing the tree in such as a sidewalk, pavement or foundation. Compaction around the root of the tree and toxic materials can cause the roots of a tree to weaken or die in turn toppling or killing the tree.
Branch Failure
A branch is attached to a tree by a small layer of stem wood called the branch collar. Branches are designed to come off at times and a healthy tree will seal off that spot over time. Ice storms or downbursts that occur can leave the branches unprepared and susceptible to tearing downward along the stem or snapping. Proper pruning will help minimize the destruction with the new wood growth around the branch.
Lightning
Lightning strike is where lightning strikes a tree moving downward down the trunk of the tree or in a narrow line down the branches, stems and roots. Lightning destroys the live tissue of the tree with electrical current and heat it generates. Damage caused by lightning causes water loss and invasive pests quickly move into to the tree.