Prevent Hazardous Trees: Plant Right, Maintain Smart

Trees in cities face stresses forests don't. Damage from construction, poor planting, or bad pruning turns assets into liabilities. Prevention is everything.

Planting Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong season/soil.
• Hole too deep/shallow.
• Too close to structures, utilities, hardscape.
• Ignoring mature size.

Amateur Maintenance Risks

• Flush cuts (removes branch collar) → decay.
• Wound paint → traps moisture.
• Topping → weak regrowth, disease, hazard.

Construction Threats

Root cutting, grade changes, compaction, chemical spills—all kill slowly. Symptoms appear years later. Pre-construction arborist consult is cheap insurance.

Warning Signs

Cracks, decay, cankers, lean, deadwood. But absence of signs ≠ safety. Location matters (near pavement, play areas, utilities).

Action Plan

Annual inspection by certified arborist. Fix early. Remove only when necessary. A healthy tree is a safe tree.