LETTERS: Trees can become a hazard if not properly maintained.
One vulnerability is their root system. Trees with shallow roots or compromised root structures are more likely to be uprooted when strong winds put force on their canopy.
Additionally, soils that are saturated from heavy rainfall reduce the stability of the roots, making it easier for trees to be toppled.
In an urban setting, high-speed winds create a differential in air pressure around the tree, causing it to sway, uproot or fall if the force is strong enough.
Trees with a large canopy are more susceptible to this effect as they present a larger surface area for the wind to act upon.
The health and species of a tree also influence its likelihood of being uprooted during a storm. Weakened or diseased trees have compromised structural integrity, making them more prone to uprooting.
Trees that are not pruned in a balanced manner are also susceptible to being uprooted during storms.
Thus, the uprooting of trees during storms can be due to its root system vulnerability, the soil structure, wind dynamics, and tree health and species.
Regular inspection is a must. Thus, consult an arborist. All these will help in better managing and mitigating the impact of storms on our urban and natural landscapes.
SANATH KUMARAN
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times