Wind Tunneling in New Neighborhoods: How to Protect Your Trees
- Kevin Lester
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
New subdivisions are popping up all around the Greater Cincinnati area, creating significant changes to the natural landscape. These changes can lead to changes in how wind sweeps across the landscape, which can have adverse effects on new and existing trees. The new, nursery-grown trees planted after construction may not be ready to take on the higher winds, which can cause them to bend and break at their weakest point, while older trees that were once protected by the surrounding forest are now exposed and at risk.
What is Wind Tunneling?
A "wind tunnel" in a new neighborhood refers to a street or open space that experiences unusually strong and gusty winds. The stronger winds are a result of wind being squeezed and accelerated between buildings. This phenomenon is often caused by the arrangement of buildings, as well as by the loss of natural windbreaks such as dense forests and shrubs.
Ways wind tunneling can cause damage to your landscape
Stunted Growth & Uprooting: Because immature trees are forced to endure constant, high-velocity gusts, they are frequently uprooted. Their fragile root systems fail to hold in the frequently disturbed, compacted soil of new developments.
Severe Tree Bend: Immature trees are also at risk of a severe bend in the trunk due to the strong winds. In most cases, this bend can be fixed by gently staking the tree and implementing landscape changes to create windbreaks that protect it.
Crown Deformity: In older trees, asymmetrical wind tunnels damage the windward side of the canopy, stunting bud growth and twisting the crown. This compromises the tree's overall weight distribution and stability.
How to reduce the wind tunneling effect and protect your landscape
Windbreaks are the most effective way to reduce the speed of the wind and the damage it can cause to your property. To optimize their effectiveness, consider the following strategies:
Staggered Planting: Avoid planting trees in straight, uniform rows. Instead, arrange trees and large shrubs in a staggered, alternating pattern to disrupt the flow of wind.
Mixed Canopies: Use a combination of different tree species with varying heights and canopy densities. This approach scatters the wind, diffuses gusts, and reduces overall wind velocity.
Fencing and Shrubs: Trees aren't the only way to introduce windbreaks to your landscape. Fencing and dense shrubs can also minimize wind speed, and by using fencing, shrubs, and taller trees, you are more effectively protecting your property from wind damage.
How hiring a certified arborist can help
When trying to protect your property from wind damage, hiring a certified arborist can make all the difference. Our arborists at Gregory Forrest Lester can help you select the best trees, such as green giant arborvitae, pines, and spruces, that are well-suited to the soil and hardiness zone in Cincinnati. They will also manage any hazards on existing trees, such as co-dominant stems that weaken the tree's structure or crossed or rubbing branches that create wounds on the tree. Our arborists can also remove dead wood and prune the tree for a stronger structure overall.
If you notice wind tunneling in your neighborhood and your trees are suffering, click the link below to fill out a form on our website. One of our Certified or Master Arborists will contact you shortly to schedule a visit for a professional tree assessment.
