How to Recognize a Hazardous Tree

A "hazard tree" is a tree with structural defects likely to cause failure in all or part of the tree, which could strike a "target". That target could be people, vehicles, buildings or other structures. While every tree has the potential to fall, only a small number actually hit something or someone.

The Urban Forester for your community inspects and evaluates street trees due to citizen requests and routine maintenance. After an inspection, tree pruning or removal is scheduled by priority, based on the potential to cause harm to person or property. The turnaround time for this tree work varies according to season and the amount of other storm activity. Typically in the winter months, work is completed within nine to 10 days. During the summer months, the average turnaround time is 40 or more days.

You might notice painted markings on or near street trees in your neighborhood. A white arrow on the street or curb marks a future planting site, whether a replacement tree or a new planting area in the right-of-way. A yellow "X" on a tree indicates that the tree will soon be removed. A blue or a brown dot means that the tree will be pruned in the near future. The markings help contractors in finding the precise location of the work that needs to be done. Abutting property owners are notified whenever a tree in the right-of-way is scheduled for removal or a new tree is to be planted, unless it is an emergency situation.