Minimizing Tree Failure Risks - Insights from Dr. Coder's Article

Jerret Myers
7 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Tree failure during wind events poses serious risks to property, people, and the environment. Understanding how to assess tree canopy and structure can help arborists reduce these risks effectively. Dr. Kim D. Coder’s article (3) Assessing Tree Life Canopy Measures and Shapes in Arborist News Volume 34 Number 6 (December 2025) offers valuable insights into evaluating tree canopy characteristics to predict and prevent failure. This post summarizes Dr. Coder’s key findings and outlines practical steps arborists can take to protect trees and their surroundings from wind damage.

Understanding Tree Canopy Measures and Shapes

Dr. Coder emphasizes that tree canopy shape and size directly influence how trees respond to wind forces. Canopy measures include:

Canopy width and depth: Wider canopies catch more wind, increasing stress on the trunk and roots.
Canopy density: Dense foliage can act like a sail, catching wind and raising failure risk.
Symmetry of canopy: Asymmetrical canopies create uneven wind loads, leading to structural weaknesses.

Dr. Coder explains that arborists should assess these factors visually and with measurement tools to identify trees vulnerable to wind damage. For example, a tree with a heavy, dense canopy on one side may be more likely to lean or break during storms.

How Canopy Shape Affects Tree Stability

The article highlights several canopy shapes and their impact on stability:

Round, balanced canopies distribute wind forces evenly, reducing failure risk.
Lopsided canopies cause uneven loading, increasing the chance of branch or trunk failure.
Open canopies allow wind to pass through, lowering stress but sometimes exposing structural weaknesses.

Dr. Coder suggests that arborists prioritize trees with unbalanced or dense canopies for closer inspection and possible corrective action.

Tree shape and foliage density are the primary factors affecting limb and trunk loading during wind events (2)

Action Steps to Minimize Tree Failure Risk

Based on Dr. Coder’s research, arborists can take these practical steps to reduce wind damage risks:

1. Regular Canopy Assessments

Measure canopy width, depth, and density annually.
Look for signs of asymmetry or excessive growth on one side.
Use tools like clinometers or laser rangefinders for accurate measurements.

2. Pruning to Improve Canopy Balance & Airflow

Thin dense foliage to allow wind to pass through more easily.
Remove or reduce branches that create uneven weight distribution.
Focus on maintaining a symmetrical canopy shape.

3. Structural Support and Maintenance

Monitor root health to ensure strong anchorage.
Install cabling or bracing in trees with weak branch unions.
Address soil compaction or drainage issues that weaken root systems.

4. Prioritize High-Risk Trees for Intervention

Schedule maintenance before storm seasons.
Identify trees near structures, roads, or high-traffic areas.
Focus on species known to be vulnerable to wind damage.

Practical Example: Applying Canopy Assessment

Imagine an oak tree near a residential street with a canopy that extends heavily over one side. Using Dr. Coder’s approach, an arborist measures the canopy width and finds it 30% wider on the street side. The canopy is dense, with thick branches creating a “sail” effect. The arborist prunes back the heavier side, thins the foliage, and installs a support cable to reduce stress on the trunk. This intervention lowers the risk of the tree falling during strong winds, protecting nearby homes and pedestrians.

Why Arborists Should Use Dr. Coder’s Methods

Dr. Coder’s article provides a clear framework for assessing tree canopy risks with measurable criteria. This approach moves beyond guesswork and helps arborists make informed decisions to protect trees and people. By regularly evaluating canopy shape and size, arborists can catch problems early and take targeted action.

Contact Antrim Tree Service for Expert Tree Care

If you want to minimize the risk of tree failure on your property, professional assessment and maintenance are essential. The team at Antrim Tree Service applies the latest research, including Dr. Kim D. Coder’s canopy assessment techniques, to keep your trees healthy and safe. Contact Antrim Tree Service today for a comprehensive tree evaluation and customized care plan. Antrim Tree Service provides free estimates to Greencastle and surrounding communities.

References

Liu et. al. Effects of Plant Crown Shape on Microwave Backscattering Coefficients of Vegetation Canopy. 21 November 2021
Organically Green Horticulture Services. https://www.organicallygreen.org/292/ January 11, 2017
Coder, Dr. Kim D. Assessing Tree Life Canopy Measures and Shapes. International Society of Arboriculture. Arborist News. Volume 34 Number 6. December 2025