Current Articles
Browse Archives
Search
Contact Us
AUF Home
ISA Seal
Get Acrobat Reader

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry Online
Volume 19, Issue 6 — November 1993
https://www.isa-arbor.com/Publications/Arboriculture-Urban-Forestry

Relating Gust Speed to Tree Damage in Hurricane Hugo, 1989    (View PDF)

John K. Francis and Andrew J.R. Gillespie

Abstract: From 17 through 19 September 1989 Hurricane Hugo passed through the Antilles from Guadalupe to Puerto Rico, causing severe damage to ornamental and shade trees. Damage to 1226 trees of 81 species on 18 urban and rural sites was related to maximum wind gust speeds. Damage (defoliation, minor branch breakage, major branch breakage, trunk snap, and tipping) began at gust speeds of about 60 km/hr, increased rapidly with gust speeds to about 130 km/hr, and although highly variable, did not worsen at higher gust speeds. The most severe forms of damage are apparently avoided if the crown surface area is reduced quickly by loss of leaves and twigs. Palms were more wind resistant than broadleaved trees.

Keywords:

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1993.057


Current Articles | Browse Archives | Search | AUF Home | ISA Home | Get Acrobat