[CANUFNET] Tree limbs and potential damage to underground infrastructure

[Alex Satel - UFI]

Hi Luc,

Interesting (and somewhat unusual) question.

I'm sorry that I can't point you to any such research, but my initial thought is that, given the depth, relatively small size (diameter/thickness), and density of most utilities one would find underground near trees (e.g., gas, hydro, water, etc.) the likelihood of a branch penetrating the soil to a sufficient depth with enough force to cause damage and right on top of said utilities is likely so small as to be negligible.

Applying the ANSI/ISA BMP tree risk rating matrix with the utilities as the target, I can't imagine the "likelihood of impact" ever rising above "very low", thus necessitating a "low" risk rating regardless of the likelihood of failure or the potential severity of consequences (though I could certainly be wrong). Perhaps that might suffice to alleviate the concerns of whoever is asking the question.

All that said, if you are able to find any research concerning branch soil penetration depth (especially in relation to utility damage), I'd be grateful if you were able to share it.

Kind regards,

Alex

Alexander Satel, MFC
Urban forestry and arboricultural consultant
ISA Certified Arborist ON-1353A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ)

Urban Forest Innovations, Inc.
1331 Northaven Drive
Mississauga, ON L5G 4E8
T: (905) 274-1022
asatel at ufis.ca
urbanforestinnovations.com




From: CANUFNET <canufnet-bounces at list.web.net> On Behalf Of Luc Rainville via CANUFNET
Sent: April 28, 2021 10:44 AM
To: canufnet at list.web.net
Cc: Luc Rainville <lr.rainville.consulting at gmail.com>
Subject: [CANUFNET] Tree limbs and potential damage to underground infrastructure


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

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