Why a Healthy-Looking Oak Tree Can Uproot and Fall

Q: Neighbor's large oak fell in a rainstorm while they were away. How common for a healthy tree to fall?

A: Well-anchored trees rarely fall. Trees sense where to produce anchor roots that bind to soil, allowing them to withstand wind and water. But anchor roots can be severely damaged by careless installation of driveways, sidewalks, or plumbing. The tree may appear healthy if feeder roots are active, but without anchor roots it's living on borrowed time—anchor roots rarely regenerate. If trenching is done inside a tree's drip line, hire a certified arborist to evaluate plans and minimize anchor root damage.