In wet and windy weather, here's how to tell if your trees are likely to tumble
The heavy rain and winds forecast for Sunday could bring trees down around the Triangle. Up to 3 inches of rain will saturate the ground and winds could gust to 30 mph. In weak soil where dirt is not tight and firm, roots can break and trees can topple.
If you are a property owner, the calm before the storm is the time to determine if your trees are a threat.
Tim Robbins, owner of ArborMax tree service and a board certified arborist, says there is one eye test that can determine if a tree is in trouble.
"The easiest thing for a homeowner to look at with a tree is the growth pattern and the top of the tree," he said. "Are there more branches on one side of the tree than the other?”
Under state law, if a healthy tree that does not appear to be a danger falls, the person who sustains the damage has to pay for it.
However, the owner of an obviously dead or dying tree can be held responsible for damage caused when it falls – if they are aware of that potential.
After Sunday's predicted downpour, Robbins expects to be busy moving trees.
"They are anticipating a lot of stuff coming down tomorrow," he said.
If you have any doubts about your tree you should have a arborist come out and inspect it.
