This book examines the potential hazards of trees. It shows how a tree breaks, why it breaks, and how it gives you warning. Of value to arboriculturalists, tree surgeons, foresters, etc.
Foreword concerning tree biology; foreword concerning the mechanics of trees. Part 1 Trees, people and biomechanics; people endanger trees - do trees endanger people?; man's responsibility towards trees; why do trees snap despite their optimal form?; manifestations of tree fractures; windthrow - falling without fracturing?; wind, roots and pipelines; recognising predictable tree failures - the principles; unpredictable tree fractures; safety factors in animals and trees; other diagnostic methods; tree assessment and legal judgements. Part 2 A practitioner's guide: mechanics - practical applications in arboriculture; a practical guide for tree inspection.