True or False: Rain and snow can increase the likelihood of tree failure.

Rain and snow can increase the likelihood of tree failure due to several factors related to how these elements affect a tree's structural integrity and overall health. When trees are laden with heavy snow, the additional weight can lead to branch breakage or even the toppling of the entire tree, especially if the tree is already weakened by factors such as disease or poor structural form.

Similarly, rain can exacerbate soil saturation, leading to instability in the root system. Saturated soil reduces the soil’s ability to hold the roots securely, making it easier for trees to uproot in high winds or during storms. Moreover, wet conditions can promote fungal diseases that weaken trees, increasing the risk of failure.

These environmental conditions are significant for arborists to consider when evaluating tree health and stability. Understanding how precipitation affects trees is essential in proactive management and mitigation efforts to prevent failures, particularly in utility arboriculture where tree failure can impact power lines and infrastructure. Thus, stating that rain and snow can increase the likelihood of tree failure is accurate.