Heavy winter rains raise concerns about the condition and safety of large trees, but knowing about careful management of tree defects in advance can help create a safer environment, reduce liability and ease those concerns, city of Vancouver’s Urban Forester Charles Ray said Friday.
While all trees have the potential to fail, only a relative few actually do, he said in a news bulletin.
“Maturity is not what makes a tree fail,” Ray said. “Most tree failure is due to an existing defect, such as tree cankers, decay and root problems.”
In the case of a fallen branch or other storm damage to a tree on their property, Ray urges property owners to stay calm and make a careful appraisal of the situation. Stay out of the way of branches that might fall, and stay away from downed utility lines.
