It's an idea that no property owner wants: a fallen tree that buries cars, house walls or even people. Above the ground, the birch appears more delicate than many other trees. But whether storm-proof or not is decided by the roots.
How much damage can a storm cause to the birch tree?
A stronger storm can break largebranchesor the entire birch treeuprootThen there are alsopersonal injuries and property damagepossible. Not only young birches, but also old ones are at risk of storms. The reason lies in the root system, which only goes a little deep.
Can I grow a young birch tree in a storm-proof way?
The birch has shallow roots and stays that way. Their root system rarely anchors deeper than one meter. The birch can therefore never be completely storm-proof. Forplanting, choose a sheltered spot, further away from buildings, in order to keep the damage to a minimum if the worst comes to the worst. At a young age, until it has fully grown, you can protect your birch from wind-induced tilting withsupport posts.
What damage can a birch tree caught in the wind cause?
The birch tree can live up to 150 years. So it can be expected that it will experience some strong storms in this long lifespan. Depending on the location, size of the birch and the extent of the damage, complete uprooting or breaking off of some branches, further damage may not occur or may vary:
- Damage to neighboring trees and bushes
- Damage to buildings, including on neighboring properties and paths
- Chess damage, e.g. car damage, pipe damage
- Injuries to people and animals
What do I do with a storm-damaged birch tree?
What you can or must do with a storm-damaged birch tree depends on the specific situation. You can probablyplantan uprootedsmall birchagain, as long as the root system and crown are still largely intact. You probably have todispose ofa large uprooted birch treeor put the wood to a useful use. Remove individual broken branches promptly and saw the frayed broken areas smooth.
Tip
Ahead of storm warnings: Make your garden more storm-proof
To minimize the risk of storm damage, you should check the birch and your other trees for stability before an announced storm. Remove rotten and brittle branches immediately. Put away patio furniture, drive the car into the garage, and stay safe during the storm.
