Different types of trees have varying thresholds of strength against strong winds. In general, weak-wooded trees don’t stand up well to windy conditions. And these trees are further compromised by wintry weather when the weight of ice and snow places additional stress on their branches. Avoid planting these trees, or if you already have them in your yard, consider calling a tree care service professional to assess whether your trees simply need a good pruning, or whether it’s safer to go ahead and remove them.
Dangerous trees that could damage your home include:
- Bradford pear trees (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’), while beautiful in bloom, are not structurally sound, particularly in windy or snowy areas. Not only are the limbs susceptible to breaking, but entire trees may also split down the middle, causing damage to structures or cars where they land.
- Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) is a weak-wooded tree, with branches that are prone to falling. This falling debris poses a danger to people, structures, and vehicles.
- Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa), like many fast-growing trees, doesn’t experience too many structural problems when it’s young. But its rapid growth produces mature trees that can pose dangers when they begin to fall apart.
