When trees blow in the wind there is a redistribution of the amount and nature of diameter growth on the leeward and windward sides of the tree trunk. Reaction wood is formed, and this wood has larger and thicker walled cells than other wood. Hence when exposed to wind a tree becomes sturdier and can tolerate wind better. For this reason, do not stake young trees unless they absolutely will not stand up without a stake. Compacting the Soil Soil conditions in urban plantings are often ignored, resulting in many tree health problems.
Trees often have limited rooting space and are similar to large potted plants.
Soil compaction can occur due to such things as construction equipment, sidewalks and streets, and footsteps. Studies show that trees grown in highly compacted soil have less root volume and weight because roots cannot penetrate compacted soil. And this translates into reduced shoot height and overall growth. Compacted soil in the city means roots cannot grow, water cannot permeate into the soil, and nutrient uptake is reduced, resulting in poor tree growth. Of course, the ultimate effect is poor tree health and death.