They don't always respond well to extreme adjustments to their growing conditions. Several in my yard have had the tops blown off in a nor'easter.
So true Bill. After we cut off a bunch of pine we had some spruce we wanted to save. Some made it but others went down after a strong wind or three. Roots no deep enough when they are grown close together in a group. If grown out in the open, they send roots deeper and wider to be able to withstand the winds. Sad to lose these but we wondered if they'd stand. Now we know.
I totally agree if the growing environment changes dramatically. Wind plays a huge part in making a tree strong as it grows.
Every time I take a stroll through my woodlot I see evidence of shagbark hickories and black walnuts that fell just like those spruce. I'm not quite crazy enough to be out there trying to record the action though.
