Does the wind make trees stronger?

Question

Seems like it is the same as exercising a muscle.

Answer 1

To some extent, yes. There have been a number of studies that have documented a plant/tree's ability to adapt to various stimuli (i.e. movement of branches toward sunlight, root systems becoming deeper or more widespread to maximize water accumulation, etc) . But I think it would be unsafe to say that just because a tree survived hurricane force winds one year would make it any bit more prepared to survive one of like magnitude and direction the next year. A more likely source of tree strengthening would be in the form of natural selection manifested in future generations of trees. Trees come in all shapes and sizes -- some with genetic traits that are more suited for wind than others (i.e. a palm tree's relatively thin trunk and pliant nature). Trees with such traits will be more likely to survive the wind storm and therefore more likely to reproduce offspring with the same beneficial traits.

Answer 2

yes it does. Cut down most of the trees in a dense woodland and the remaining ones will get blown over easily because they will not be used to the wind on a windy day, I guess also because they are taller and thinner, but if a tree is grown out in full sunshine with no other trees around they tend to be shorter and have a fatter trunk, which make them less prone to wind damage. Unless its a really strong wind

Answer 3

yes