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During heavy storms in Nashville, it’s fairly common to see a bit of trunk sway and branch bending. Healthy trees are tough and have strong roots, but there is only so much wind load they can handle before they sustain damage. With that in mind, the team at Monster Tree Service of Music City is here to answer the question: How much wind can a tree withstand before falling over?
Contact us to speak with a tree service specialist in Nashville, TN today.
Maximum Tree Wind Speed
All other things being equal, the maximum amount of wind speed a tree can handle before being uprooted is about 55 mph. Lower wind speeds between 20 mph and 55 mph may cause various levels of damage to branches and trunks.
Note that these numbers are just estimates, and a tree's maximum wind resistance depends heavily on the tree species and tree’s age.
Certain species of trees, such as maple or oak, have exceptionally deep root structures and high branch flexibility, so they can handle higher wind speeds and sustain less damage. In contrast, shallow-root trees and trees with relatively brittle branches, like poplar, are more susceptible to damage at lower wind speeds.
Similarly, mature trees are more resistant to wind damage because they have fully grown root structures compared to younger trees of the same species. Old trees that have structural damage or disease are more at risk of wind damage.
What Does the Science Say Regarding "How Much Wind Can a Tree Withstand?"
Some scientists disagree about which factors most affect tree mortality rates due to wind. Trees are not static environmental structures like rocks, but living organisms that adapt and change in reaction to their environments.
This ability to change gives a level of flexibility in how much wind a tree can withstand before sustaining damage or uprooting. The high level of variation in tree height, health, structure, and flexibility makes it hard to perform experiments that can conclusively determine maximum tree wind loads.
Preventing Tree Wind Damage
These professional tree care tips can help you avoid the worst of wind damage.
Regularly trim trees so canopy density is uniform and even
Try to plant trees in places that have some natural wind protection
Water your trees regularly to promote deep root anchorage and branch health
Remove any dying or dead branches as soon as you notice them
Consider staking fragile trees before a storm if you are worried about damage and uprooting
If one of your trees is uprooted or starts leaning due to a storm, contact a professional tree service company to safely remove them ASAP.