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Eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus spp.) are tall, beautiful specimens. They adapt easily to the many different regions in which they are cultivated. Although they are quite drought tolerant when established, the trees can react to insufficient water by dropping branches. Other disease issues can also cause branch drop in eucalyptus trees. Read on for more information about falling eucalyptus branches.
When eucalyptus tree branches keep falling from the tree, it may mean that the tree is suffering from disease. If your eucalyptus tree suffers from an advanced rot disease, the leaves wilt or become discolored and fall from the tree. The tree may also suffer eucalyptus branch drop. Rot diseases in the tree occur when the Phytophthora fungi infects the roots or crowns of the tree. You may be able to see a vertical streak or canker on infected eucalyptus trunks and a discoloration beneath the bark before you see falling eucalyptus branches. If dark sap oozes from the bark, your tree likely has a rot disease. As a result, branches die back and may fall from the tree. If branch drop in eucalyptus signals a rot disease, the best defense is planting or transplanting the trees in well-drained soil. Removing infected or dying branches may slow the spread of the disease.
Eucalyptus trees are a fairly common sight in yards and parks across California, with their distinctive peeling bark and aromatic foliage However, these iconic trees have developed a poor reputation for their tendency to topple over, especially during major storms So what exactly makes eucalyptus prone to falling, and what can be done to reduce their potential for failure?
Why Eucalyptus Trees Are Vulnerable to Falling
There are several inherent characteristics of eucalyptus species that contribute to their likelihood of falling compared to other trees
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Fast growth rate – Eucalyptus trees grow extremely quickly, upwards of 5-10 feet per year. This rapid vertical growth results in weaker wood that is more prone to breaking under pressure.
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Brittle wood – The wood fibers in eucalyptus trees are brittle, shredding easier than other trees when subjected to high winds or a heavy branch burden.
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Shallow roots – Eucalyptus trees tend to develop sparse, shallow root systems given their height. This provides poor anchoring and stability in the ground.
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Top-heaviness – Eucalyptus branches only grow at the very top of the trunk, creating dense, heavy crowns that act as a sail when strong winds blow.
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Lack of taper – Younger eucalyptus often lack a strong taper from trunk to top, putting more stress on the lower portion of the stem.
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Wet ground – Saturated soils easily undermine the stability of the shallow roots of eucalyptus trees.
While other tall trees can topple under intense storms as well, these physical characteristics make eucalyptus uniquely vulnerable to falling compared to native tree species. Their lean silhouette comes at the cost of structural integrity.
Assessing the Risks of Planting Eucalyptus
Given their potential to fail, carefully consider the risks versus rewards before planting eucalyptus trees. Some important factors to weigh include:
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Proximity to structures – Avoid planting eucalyptus close to homes, power lines, roads, sidewalks and other structures that could be damaged if the tree falls. Allow ample distance between the trees and anything they could potentially damage.
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High traffic areas – Do not rely on eucalyptus as street trees or in other high traffic public zones where falling limbs could harm pedestrians and property. Opt for sturdier, slower growing trees instead.
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Mature size – Select smaller maturing eucalyptus species and cultivars where available. Some varieties grow quite massive and are more hazardous when they fail.
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Maintenance – Properly maintained eucalyptus with reduced heights and thinned canopies are less likely to topple than unmanaged specimens. However, they require ongoing pruning and care.
While eucalyptus trees add unique aesthetic value in the right places, carefully match the species with the site to prevent future safety issues from falling trees. Their signature lean and lofty canopies come at the cost of structural integrity compared to many other landscape trees. Proceed with caution and consider lower risk alternatives for high traffic public areas.
Best Practices for Care To Improve Eucalyptus Health and Stability
If you do opt to plant eucalyptus trees, proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensuring their health, vigor and stability in the landscape. Here are some tips for caring for eucalyptus:
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Have a certified arborist conduct a periodic risk assessment to identify potential hazards in existing eucalyptus trees. They can advise on pruning and care to reduce risks.
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Selectively thin out branches and dense foliage to reduce wind resistance while maintaining the tree’s form.
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Prune eucalyptus trees judiciously in the summer months to avoid promoting excessive new growth that could prove weak.
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Provide a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone but avoid piling mulch right against the trunk itself.
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Stake young eucalyptus trees and train stems to build taper and strengthen as they establish.
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Clean up fallen eucalyptus branches and debris promptly, as they attract damaging pests and diseases.
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Maintain vigor through consistent deep watering, appropriate fertilization, and integrated pest management.
While eucalyptus trees will always be more vulnerable than other landscape options, proper siting and attentive care can help mitigate their inherent risks. This allows you to safely enjoy their distinctive beauty and aroma where appropriate.
What to Do if Your Eucalyptus Tree Falls or Fails
If your eucalyptus does fall or drop a large limb during a storm or high winds, stay clear of the area until it can be safely assessed. Check for any damage to structures or power lines after the tree fails. Be aware that saturated soils can allow a leaning tree to shift or completely topple later after initial impact.
You should immediately contact your home insurance provider to report the fallen eucalyptus and assess any damage that may be covered. For trees posing an immediate danger, call emergency services for assistance with assessment and safe removal where power lines are involved. Otherwise, hire an insured tree care company to remove any failed eucalyptus and properly dispose of debris.
Once the tree is cleared, consider replacing eucalyptus with lower risk species in the same area. Consult an arborist for suggestions of more wind and weather resistant options suitable for your property. With careful selection and planting of sturdier trees, you can prevent repeat issues with failures going forward.
Enjoy Eucalyptus Safely with Proper Care and Risk Reduction Measures
While eucalyptus trees do have a higher than average risk of falling compared to other landscape plants, they can still be enjoyed safely in the right settings. Take care to provide ample space around the trees, plant them away from high-traffic areas, and maintain their structure with careful pruning. Monitor existing eucalyptus trees after major storms for any signs of declining health or stability issues. Addressing these risks proactively is key to getting the benefits of eucalyptus trees without the headaches. With prudent planting and care, their distinctive beauty and aroma can be an asset to your landscape.
Eucalyptus Branches Falling on Property
Falling eucalyptus branches do not necessarily mean that your trees have a rot disease, or any disease for that matter. When eucalyptus tree branches keep falling, it may mean that the trees are suffering from extended drought. Trees, like most other living organisms, want to live and will do whatever they can to prevent demise. Branch drop in eucalyptus is one means the trees use to prevent death in times of severe lack of water. A healthy eucalyptus tree suffering from long-term lack of water may suddenly drop one of its branches. The branch will not show any sign of disease on the inside or the outside. It will simply fall from the tree to allow the remaining branches and trunk to have more moisture. This presents a real danger to homeowners since the eucalyptus branches falling on property can cause damage. When they fall on human beings, injuries or death can be the result.
Arborist explains why wind topples eucalyptus trees
FAQ
Do eucalyptus trees fall over easily?
Eucalyptus trees are notorious fallers, and limb droppers, and they also are notorious for being extremely heavy, which is why smart people do not plant them anywhere near homes or highways.
What are the disadvantages of the eucalyptus tree?
One of Eucalyptus’ main drawbacks is an extremely high rate of transpiration that causes detrimental effects on the environment. Compared to other trees in the country, Eucalyptus contributes much more to draught through transpiration 18–20 times higher.
What trees are most likely to fall?
Tall Trees and Windthrow
When heavy winds hit the upper part of the tree and exert considerable force on the roots and lower trunk, it can uproot the entire root system from the ground, even with healthy trees. Slender coniferous trees, such as white spruce, cedar, and pines, are the most prone to windthrow.