On Saturday, April 20th, North Texas had a full day of constant rain. As much as rain is needed in our area to balance the droughts we usually get in summer, the amount of rain that fell was overload! When too much precipitation happens in a short amount of time, disaster can follow. Texas soil cannot soak in a ton of water like the ideal dirt in the midwest. The absorption with our Texas clay soil is much slower and usually runs off which can cause standing pools of water on your turf.
When we are visiting a homeowner regarding tree work needing to be done, we sometimes notice an area in their yard that stays soft and soggy, even with minimal rain. This may be due to things like improper grading, constant shade over the soil, poor infiltration, etc. Usually, this can be fixed pretty easily. But, the issue is if there is a tree growing out of this wet area. Pooling water will weaken the soil at the base of the tree. Then, add heavy rain to the mix and the roots of the tree will begin to loosen and slip as they have nothing to keep them firmly grounded. This is when unexpected tree failure in a storm becomes very possible! Saturday was a full day of taking immediate care of these tree emergencies. The pictures below are from a rental home in Lewisville, TX. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the vehicle under the tree was completely totaled.
There are a few things that homeowners can do that will significantly reduce the risk of falling trees. Modifying the root area with organic matter will greatly improve the condition of the clay-heavy soil by separating it and letting more air and water to move around more freely. Fixing any drainage issues in the wet area to prevent the soil from staying soggy will keep the root system sturdier. Also, getting on a routine pruning schedule will keep your trees healthy, and secure. Controlling the height of tall, mature trees and ensuring large limbs don't hang over structures on your property should be considered. A tree technician will notice any red flags and would be able to detect a possible future hazard.
