Critical wind speed at which trees break

Abstract

Data from storms suggest that the critical wind speed at which trees break is constant (≃42m/s), regardless of tree characteristics. We question the physical origin of this observation both experimentally and theoretically. By combining Hooke's law, Griffith's criterion, and tree allometry, we show that the critical wind speed indeed hardly depends on the height, diameter, and elastic properties of trees.

Comment on “Critical wind speed at which trees break”

“…However, there are several physical and mechanical reasons why we think that the claim of Virot et al [1] cannot be substantiated.…”

“…This prediction was compared to reprocessed data from storm Klaus (24th January, 2009). If correct, this work would have important implications about the key factors controlling the critical strength of trees against the wind, as well as for forest and urban tree management (as shown by numerous reports on [1] in the popular science and arboricultural press).…”

“…DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.94. 067001 Virot et al [1] report results on (i) the breakage of brittle rods of dry wood with various geometry and (ii) extend these results to predict wind speeds for trunk breakage in forests. Our comments deal with part (ii).…”

“…[39] in [1]). This predicts that the critical wind speed for trunk breakage is ≈42 m/s, with low if any dependency on tree height and material properties.…”

“…Thus Virot et al [1] evaluated their model against an inadequate data set. It would have been beneficial if the authors had investigated storm damage from forests with high levels of stem breakage, for example from the large body of data on forest wind damage * Corresponding author: barry.gardiner@inra.fr accumulated by the plant biomechanics research community (e.g., [2,3]).…”