Below is a list of defects that you can look for which cause trees to be more vulnerable to wind and various other weather severities:

• CRACKING – This is a direct indicator there is a high risk of branch failure occurring sooner than later.
• DEAD WOOD – Due to bring brittle, it is unable to withstand pressures compared to a living tree and becomes unpredictable.
• POOR BRANCH STRUCTURE – This can be a challenging aspect to identify, even for a layman. Signs can include long horizontal limbs, excessive leaning, narrow crotches (V-shapes rather than U-shapes), and branches that cross and rub each other creating wounds. In addition, trees with multiple trunks require special attention and maintained care. When there are two trunks (or leaders), with the same diameter and they have a narrow crotch, these are negative factors. To help prevent damage or splitting, you need to choose one main trunk to be dominant. The other trunk will need to have growth stunted by subordination (pruning).
• DECAY – This can be caught by hallow cavities or fungal growth. These are clear signs of weakness.
• ROOT ISSUES – These problems can be a bit tougher to spot, such as stem-girdling roots, but they have the highest impact towards the three’s inability to withstand weather conditions, even stand straight. Remember, the tree’s root system is what anchors it down. If a mature tree’s root system is significantly cut, crushed or damaged, or root-bound within the original box it was in from the nursery prior to planting, you might want to consider having the tree removed prior to it being damaged and/or removed by mother nature first, with no warning. A tree with a thick canopy and weak root system make for the deadliest combination when it comes to storms.
• PESTS – There are many pests that can weaken a tree, like the palo verde borer. These pests are able to exacerbate the health issues of a tree. However, they tend to target tree’s which are already weak and/or sick.
• VIEWING SKY THROUGH CANOPY – One of the more important factors to maintaining a “stormproof” tree, is keeping it thinned. Basically, the thicker the tree, the heavier and more vulnerable it will be to heavy storm winds. This includes trees which are otherwise healthy as can be. Foliage that is overly dense creates potential safety hazards during strong windy weather. Not only is it heavier, a thick, dense canopy does not allow wind to travel through easily, creating resistance that can result in breaking branches, or being uprooted and falling over. The extra weight on branches only increase this possibility, which is the reason thinning is needed. You need to do more than clip the lower hanging branches, which can also cause a lion tail appearance.

For additional details and information regarding storm damages, check out the article “Causes and ‘Cures’ for Tree Storm Damages” by Steven Nix.

When using a Certified Arborist, you will get the best care for your trees. These are professionals that were certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). These experts have the required experience for recognizing potential hazardous defects quickly, prior to developing into major teaches for your trees. If these things are not taken care of, it can result in splitting, branch failure, even full loss of the tree. Remember, the care of your trees is not only the responsibility of the arborist, but yours. There are many things you’re able to handle.