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Introduction High wind events can result in costly damage to trees throughout a City. Minimizing wind related damage to trees is a priority for the City. The table below exhibits tree characteristics and management practices that influence tree risk in high wind areas. Findings are based on arboricultural best management practices and wind and tree management research studies. However, it should be noted that in extreme weather events, many tree failures are unexpected and happen to healthy trees. Findings For Tree Care in High Wind Areas Findings Considerations Damage to roots from construction can impact a tree's structural stability for decades following. Certain pruning methods of branches and roots can have detrimental effects on a tree’s structural integrity. Pruning methods such as topping and lion tailing should be prohibited. Pruning trees to establish structurally sound trees with proper trunk and branch taper decrease risk of failure in high wind areas. Exercise caution and consider long term impacts when root pruning on the windward side of a tree. Most trees fall in the same direction as the prevailing winds during the storm. Use data from past storms to analyze potential targets at risk based on historic wind direction. Each species of tree has specific traits such as root vigor, wood composition, and branch structure. Use the species list, observations from past storms, and online resources to discern which species are suitable to plant in areas vulnerable to high winds. Source: Gilman, Ed (2015). Storm Damage Prevention: Lessons Learned. Web. Accessed March 2024. International Society of Arboriculture (2017). Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition. Susceptibility to windstorms may warrant more stringent protection criteria such as larger Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) than other municipalities.