Factors Influencing Stem Breakage of Conifers in High Winds

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Abstract
Conifer stems of paraboloidal form are taken to bend along curves producing uniform strain in the outer wood. The total applied bending moment arising from the displacement of the weights of the stem and crown and from wind drag is compared with the resistive bending moment caused by the elasticity of the wood. Variation of wind speed within the canopy and vertical distribution of crown weight are taken into account. The top half of the crown contributes most of the moment applied by wind drag. Critical wind speeds are obtained for trees of various heights, tapers and crown weight/stem weight ratios. Critical tree heights are in keeping with those predicted by the Windthrow Hazard Classification. Trees of low taper are most liable to break.

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