African Mahogany- High wind proofing

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Percnco Fitzroy crossing, Australia Feb 10, 2016

Hello,
I live in Northern Australia, there a lot of African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) trees planted around, mainly because they make fantastic shade trees to escape the tropical heat, and aren't that slow growing. Problem is the tend to be shallow rooted and can be knocked down in high winds. I live in Fitzroy Crossing, so while we don't get hit direct by cyclones, but the storms certainly come our way.

Question: someone told me that if I plant 2 or 3 trees in close proximity that their roots will intertwine and make them stronger in the ground. Can anyone shed light on this theory?
I'm asking because I run a community garden and little side nursery, and would like to give good planting advice to people.
One problem I see with planting so close- if anyone can shed light on this theory also- is that the boughs will grow from the centre away from the other trunks and towards the light and possibly make the tree lop-sided. and hence not stronger at all.

Thankyou

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DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Feb 11, 2016

If you plant trees in groups, the canopy will grow as if it were one tree. The outside trees will have more branches on the outside and the inside trees will have more branches at the top. Its always a good idea to have only 3 or 5 trees in a grouping as the center trees will be less strong because they are being shaded by the outside trees. The roots of trees always grow so that the prevalient wind side has more 'tethering' roots. Most trees blow down when the wind comes from the wrong direction. If you grow a grouping of trees and then cut one out, chances are others in the group will fall as you have changed the wind dynamics of the grouping.

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Percnco Fitzroy crossing, Australia Feb 11, 2016

and so do you think that planting them together in a group would increase their strength in the ground, based on the theory that their roots will be intermingling?

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Percnco Fitzroy crossing, Australia Feb 11, 2016

and as for grouping, I was thinking a group 3 in a triangle about 1m (3 1/2 feet) apart. thoughts on this as a planting method. Or just 2 about 1m apart.

Thanks for your thoughts

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DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Feb 12, 2016

No, the roots will not tie themselves together and hold each other up.

But a group of trees (5 or more) planted 10 feet (3 m) apart but NOT in a row will withstand more wind than a single tree. The key is giving each tree enough root space so that they can develop a strong root system. The group (5 or more) forms a canopy that can withstand and divert wind.

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