Falling trees

[scuecc]

Lately, there have been a rash of large native trees falling in the area. There have not been any strong winds, but we have had a very unusual dry spell. Is there any correlation between very long dry periods and trees falling down?

 

[MuniciPAL]

the prolonged periods of drought make the trees more likely to acquire a root rotting disease which in turn could make trees fall.
the large native trees are most likely early growth and the surrounding trees have been removed so the windcover the tree is used to is gone.

 

[Castenea]

During extended droughts trees can become so water starved that they lose turgor pressure in limbs and stems. The tree then collapses often splitting at crotches, or breaking off large horizontal limbs. Trees do not always wilt when this happens.

Note: the Wye Oak In MD lost two major limbs to this in the late 50's.

 

[daveyclimber]

This is a common issue here in northern california, particularly with the Oaks and Black Walnut. It is much more common for themto break during summer months when they are heavy with water and acorns. The Oaks have a tremendous amount of acorns this year leading to branch and stem failure. The Black Walnuts also are loaded up with larger than average nuts. Trees that break regularly in my area are the Oaks, B Walnuts, Liquid Ambar, Pistache, Fruitless Pear, and Silver Maples to a lesser degree. We encourage trimming of oaks during winter to reduce lateral weight, though nobody calls back until limbs ae dropping on the house, car or high traffic areas.