Trees provide significant benefits to our homes and cities, but when trees fall and injure people or damage property, they are liabilities. Taking care of tree hazards makes your property safer and prolongs the life of the tree.
 

 
 

Trees are an important part of our world. They offer a wide range of benefits to the environment and provide tremendous beauty.
 

However, trees may be dangerous. Trees or parts of trees may fall and cause injury to people or damage to property. We call trees in such situations hazardous, to signify the risk involved with their presence. While every tree has the potential to fall, only a small number actually hit something or someone.

It is an owner's responsibility to provide for the safety of trees on his/her property. This brochure provides some tips for identifying the common defects associated with tree hazards. However, evaluating the seriousness of these defects is best done by a professional arborist.

Regular tree care will help identify hazardous trees and the risk they present. Once the hazard is recognized, steps may be taken to reduce the likelihood of the tree falling and injuring someone.
 
 

Hazardous Trees & Utility Lines

Trees that fall into utility lines have additional serious consequences. Not only can they injure people or property near the line, but hitting a line may cause power outages, surges, fires and other damage. Downed lines still conducting electricity are especially dangerous. A tree with a potential to fall into a utility line is a very serious situation.
 

 
 

 Tree Hazard Checklist

Consider these questions . . .

1. Are there large dead branches in the tree?
2. Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
3. Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
4. Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
5. Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
6. Have any branches fallen from the tree?
7. Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
8. Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
9. Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the trunk?
10. Have the roots been broken off, injured or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks or digging trenches?
11. Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level or installing lawns?
12. Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
13. Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed?
14. Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?

Examples of defects present in urban trees . . .

1. Regrowth from topping, line clearance or other pruning
2. Electrical line adjacent to tree
3. Broken or partially attached branch
4. Open cavity in trunk or branch
5. Dead or dying branches
6. Branches arise at one point on the trunk
7. Decay and rot present in old wounds
8. Recent change in grade or soil level, or other construction

Examples of defects present in rural trees . . .

1. Recent site construction, grading and tree removal; clearing of forests for development
2. Previous tree failures in the local area
3. Tree leaning near target
4. Forked trunk; branches and stems equal in size
5. Wet areas with shallow soil

Managing Tree Hazards

One of these treatments may help make your tree safer . . . Reducing the risk associated with hazardous trees can take many forms. An arborist familiar with hazard tree evaluation may suggest one or more of the following:

1. Remove the target. While we can't move a home or a nearby power line, we can sometimes move picnic tables, cars, landscape features, etc. to prevent them from being hit by a falling tree.
2. Prune the tree. Remove the defective branches of the tree. Since inappropriate pruning may also weaken a tree, it is best done by a Certified Arborist.
3. Cable and brace the tree. Provide physical support for weak branches and stems to increase their strength and stability.
4. Provide routine care. Mature trees need routine care in the form of water, fertilizer (in some cases), mulch and pruning as dictated by the season and their structure.
5. Remove the tree. Some hazardous trees are best removed. If possible, plant a new tree in an appropriate place as a replacement.

Recognizing and reducing tree hazards not only increases the safety of your property and that of your neighbors, but will also improve the tree's health and may increase its longevity!
 

Ensuring Quality Care for Your Tree

Trees are assets to your home and community and deserve the best possible care . . . If you answered yes to any of the questions in the Tree Hazard Checklist, or see any of the defects contained in the illustrations, your tree should be examined by a Certified Arborist.
 

For a list of Certified Arborists in your area, contact International Society of Arboriculture, P.O. Box GG, Savoy, IL 61874-9902. 217-355-9411.

If your tree is located near a power line, contact your local electrical utility.
 
 

This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program. You may have additional interest in the following titles currently in the series: Insect and Disease Problems; Mature Tree Care; New Tree Planting; Trees and Turf; Benefits of Trees; Tree Selection; Plant Health Care; Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts; Recognizing Tree Hazards; Why Hire an Arborist; Buying High-Quality Trees; Tree Values; Pruning Young Trees; Pruning Mature Trees; Why Topping Hurts Trees; Pruning Young Trees; Pruning Mature Trees; Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction; Treatment of Trees Damaged by Construction.
 

Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information, contact: ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA.

© 1995 International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 2000