Grand Old Trees in Jeopardy

Brother Paul Diveny, headmaster of , said the school is ready for the hurricane except for one big worry–and he can't do anything about it. His fear: many of the stately old trees on the Delbarton property may be 'just waiting to go’ if the winds are strong enough. 

Given the fact that the ground is already saturated from so much August rain, he is concerned that the trees are more vulnerable than they normally are.

Since there is nothing to be done to protect the trees–other than routine maintenance–Brother Paul's plan is to watch and wait for Hurricane Irene, and pray that people in the storm’s path stay safe.

There is reason for concern, according Michael Walsh, a supervisor at the Morris County Shade Tree Division. "The ground is really saturated. We have a feeling we're going to see more uproots than [usual]." Pine trees, he said, can be especially vulnerable because "their roots aren't that deep and they carry a lot of weight." Asked what he would do if he lived in a house surrounded by large trees, he replied, "I would want to be in the lower part of my home."

If you are concerned for trees on your property, try to get any obviously dead branches trimmed before the storm.

The National Weather Service warns that trees and large limbs falling on homes have led to numerous injuries and fatalities in the past. When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, according to NWS, it is a good idea to keep in mind where large trees are in relation to your house, and stay away from windows which can easily be broken by falling limbs.

The National Hurricane Center predicts the following levels of tree damage by hurricane category.

• Category 1: Large branches of trees will snap and shallow rooted trees can be toppled.
• Category 2: Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.
• Category 3: Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.
• Category 4: Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.
• Category 5: Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.