CIT: Trees and Wind: Wind Scales and Speeds

Overview of scales developed to use tree movement as an indication of wind speed.

Arborists and urban foresters frequently refer to wind loads, sail areas, and so forth when discussing the risk of tree failure. Whether the discussion is generally descriptive or specifically quantitative, wind speed is an essential consideration. Wind load is a function of wind speed. Acceptable levels of risk must be associated with wind speeds and their probability of recurrence. In addition, various classification scales are used to describe weather events by wind speed ranges. Some of the tree-risk literature employs these scale numbers. These various usages may be an obstacle to proper understanding of the tree-wind literature, to practical tree-risk management, and to dissemination of knowledge and methods across national and cultural boundaries. The tables in this article facilitate simple and accurate comparison.

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