[MAIPC] A conjecture on invasive vines and tree falls

[frazmo]

Continuing from the recent thread, it seems intuitively obvious that the
weight and windload burden of invasive vine growth would cause mature trees
to be more vulnerable to high winds. But I also conjecture that non-native
invasive vines may have "ghost" impacts even when they have been removed.
Based on personal observations at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington
VA, we have lost dozens of mature trees due to wind storms from Hurricane
Isabel (2003) to now. My sense is that a disproportionate fraction fell in
areas that had been heavily blanketed in English Ivy growth circa pre-2004.

Even though the ivy had been removed, the trees fell. The conjecture is
that the invasives' growth had altered soil characteristics and tree root
growth patterns in ways that left the trees more vulnerable going forward.

I agree that this whole area seems like a great topic for research and this
is just one more angle to consider. Cheers,

Steve Young, volunteer, Arlington VA
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