Question
Do pine trees in Louisiana generally resist being blown over in high winds due to their root system?

Answer
As a general rule pines are more resistant to wind storms than hardwood trees. This is mainly due to the tap root system of the pines. A study by the Mississippi Extension Service found there is no way to hurricane- or wind-proof trees, but the data they collected from the study showed valuable information concerning wind damage and risk reduction based on species planted. Longleaf pine was found to be the most wind resistant of the bunch; slash was next and loblolly was the most susceptible. People who live in the vulnerable coastal areas might consider replanting with either of those species (longleaf or slash) rather than loblolly pine. Pines have a tenancy to snap off rather than be blown over. Again the worst was loblolly the best was longleaf pine.

It will depend on the species of pine and the soil type it is growing in. If the water table is deep the tree will send deeper roots down but in shallow water table soils the tap roots is shallow.

As a longleaf pine tree continues to mature, both the lateral and tap roots continue to grow. In mature trees, roots radiate out laterally an average of 35 feet from the trunk (some roots may travel up to 75 ft). Longleaf differs from other pines in that the tap root is nearly as large in diameter as the tree's trunk, tapering gradually to depths (on average) of 10 to 15 feet.