Dynamic Tree Sway Response after Storm Resiliency Management

Summary

Acclimation of trees to wind is a well-known phenomenon illustrated by open grown and most edge trees. However, tree and forest management intended to enhance the acclimation response of trees is rarely done. In this session I present prescriptions which combine approaches from silviculture and arboriculture intended to enhance the storm resilience of trees near power lines. This research and development is part of the larger STORMWISE initiative recently originated at the University of Connecticut.  I will also include preliminary results from an experiment to quantify the long-term acclimation of trees after treatment with monitoring the dynamic sway response of 13 trees along and near a power line corridor on the UCONN forest.   Sway frequency and spatial analysis of sway patterns document wind sway dynamics before and after treatment and will be used to document changes attributable to acclimation over time.