Impact of forest edge shape on tree stability: a large-eddy simulation study

As forest edges are often associated with wind damage, it may be of interest to modify the edge region in order to reduce wind-induced risks. To this purpose, this study investigates tree vulnerability to wind load downwind from leading edges designed with various treatments: sharp, tapered, sparse, dense, tall and small edges. Using a large-eddy simulation flow model, instantaneous wind and turbulence fields are simulated on either side of each edge. These fields are then used to compute mean and extreme tree bending moments as well as their ratio, the gust factor. The behaviour of these variables downwind from the edge agrees well with previous wind tunnel measurements. The gust factor increases at some distance behind the edge, due to the development of coherent eddy structures generated at the canopy-air interface. Unlike wind gusts in the vicinity of the edge, these structures penetrate deep within the canopy through sweep motions. Tree vulnerability is slightly reduced downwind from tapered, sparse and small edges and enhanced downwind from dense ones. Behind tall edges, the gust factor is reduced in the edge region but enhanced further downstream due to the interaction of the canopy with the wake of the edge treatment.