[CANUFNET] Tree limbs and potential damage to underground infrastructure

[Luc Rainville]

Hello CANUFNET,

I’m working on a file and got an interning question I could not answer.

A concern was brought up with hazard trees, but specifically around the idea of branches from the tops (when falling or being felled) creating a potential for branches to impale and penetrate soils. This concern is expressed due to the presence of underground buried utilities.

My assumption is that even if branches impale the soils when a tree comes crashing down, that this would only be for a few centimeters in depth (perhaps up to 20-30cm).

Could anyone point me to research that would support this or provide advice on depth in which branches from falling trees could penetrate soils?

Thanks in advance,

Luc M. Rainville
EP, CRSP, ISA Certified Arborist, Can-CISEC | SE, PSAC, Arboriculteur Certifier de l’ISA, Can-CISEC
Consultant & Technical Expert | Expert technique et consultant
EastElm

p / t : 403-702-6648 | e / c: lr.rainville.consulting at gmail.com <mailto:lr.rainville.consulting at gmail.com%20>
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