Abstract
The stability of trees in storms and high winds was assessed with newly developed tilt instruments that measure the structural properties of tree root plates and their anchorage strength in the ground. Tree root plates flex slightly in the ground when strong winds blow and the tilt instruments measure this flexure continuously. Tilt accuracy of 0.01° was measured at 20 samples per second, which is sufficient to record the dynamic response of the tree in high winds. The instrument has battery power for up to 20 days recording and is simply connected to a computer via a USB cable. Five Norfolk Island pines (Araucaria heterophylla) at Burnie, Tasmania were monitored during a period of high winds. Each tree had one tilt sensor attached to the trunk at ground level and another approximately 3 m above the ground. Tilt data during high winds for the five trees are presented. Tree 5 recorded maximum tilt of 0.40°, which was higher than nearby trees (0.10–0.15°) but is still within acceptable limits that are considered stable. The results indicate that Tree 5 has re-established a root system after previous construction damage and has now stabilised. It is planned to remove the supporting cables and use the tilt sensors annually to monitor the stability of trees.
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