TEAM MEASURES HOW MUCH TREES SWAY:Hardwood study identifies resilient trees with goal of fewer crashes into power lines

摘要

At the top of a 40-foot ladder, harnessed safely to a gently swaying hickory tree, University of Connecticut graduate student Jenna Klinck secures a tilt sensor that will record the movements of this tree for years to come. She is a researcher on a project in Dr. Mark Rudnicki's tree biomechanics lab, part of the Stormwise initiative. The team measures changes in tree sway dynamics. The group hopes to evaluate—and eventually improve—the resiliency of roadside trees in storm-force winds.Recent destructive storm events in the Northeast have inspired utility companies, researchers, and other collaborators to work together on this project in an attempt to better prepare our communities. In the past, tree sway studies have been focused primarily on conifers where the timber industry can suffer severe economic losses from storm damage, and little attention has been paid to deciduous hardwood species. A critical look at how to best manage northern hardwood forests is long overdue, and UConnand its partners are taking the initiative.