A tree branch recently broke off and critically injured a young child in a school. Now the question on every ones lips is: Should we be removing all large trees in schools?

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Are trees in schools a safety risk?
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The recent unfortunate incident where a young child was critically injured by a falling tree branch has bought this question into the
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spotlight.
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What makes a tree safe? - A healthy tree is a safe tree. Tree health means the tree has a good root system, good trunk and branch
structure and healthy foliage. A healthy tree in a low traffic area can be considered as safe to people.
What makes a tree dangerous? An unhealthy tree is dangerous. A tree that has been lopped or poorly pruned in the past is dangerous.
Large trees in high traffic/ high target areas such as schools are potentially dangerous.
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If you spot any tree defects and would like information on what do do about them, please CLICK HERE
How do I know if my tree is safe? - In short have it inspected at least once by a qualified and experienced arborist. Have an aerial
inspection done to ensure there are no above ground defects. Periodic annual inspections are also recommended and it is always
prudent to have a tree checked after extreme weather events or after any construction works are done close to a tree.
Aerial tree inspections pick up defects that can't be seen from the ground.
For a printable PDF checklist on assessing your trees safety, please CLICK HERE
Here are some basic steps in assessing your tree:
Step 1. The first thing to do when inspecting any tree is to look at it from a slight distance. Have a quick glance into the canopy to see
if there are any broken, dead or hanging branches overhead that may fall when you walk under the canopy. If there are any hanging
branches be sure not to walk under them, cordon off the area and have a tree surgeon remove the hazard. If you do need to walk under
hanging branches make sure you are wearing an approved helmet. Next it is best to walk around the whole tree to assess its natural
growth habit and lean.
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Step 2. Check the root system. If your tree has a lean, inspect the root plate for lifting, and for any cracks in the333 which may
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indicate the tree is moving in the ground. Check the surrounding ground for fungi or mushrooms that may indicate the presence of
decay causing organisms. Look out for any construction close to the trunk which may have encroached on the trees structural root
zone.
Step 3. Staring from the base of the tree we are looking for a trunk that has good taper, ie; it is bigger at the bottom than it is up the
trunk. This means the trunk flares out at the base and has some buttress roots that support the tree. From here we are inspecting the
tree trunk. We are looking to see that the trunk is free of defects. We are looking out for hollows, cavities, cracks, termites nests,
mushrooms, fungi growing on the trunk or unusual bulges.
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Step 4. Next we are looking at the branch structure. Ask yourself: does the tree look dangerous? does it look out of proportion? is
there anything unusual in the shape or look of the tree? This is where it is best to have the trained eye of an arborist look at your tree.
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Firstly we are looking at where the branch attaches to the trunk. We are looking for answers to these questions: Are there multiple
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stems coming from the one point in the tree? Has the branch got good taper where it joins the trunk? Is E will@treeandgarden.com.au
there a split where the branch
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joins? Is the fork of the branch a tight fork that is hard up against the trunk or is it a nice open fork? Does the branch have an 444
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ascending or descending habit? Are there any rubbing, crossing branches or wounds/cavities on the branch? Is the branch long with
heavy foliage? Are there any dead, broken or storm damaged branches in the canopy?
If you have an iPhone, you can download our free Tree Safety App:
So what do we do about large trees in schools? This is the question that schools need to find a solution for. Firstly I strongly believe
that all school staff and children should be educated about tree safety. Secondly, all trees in schools should be identified and assessed
for hazard potential. Thirdly, defective trees should be removed or pruned as recommended by a qualified arborist.
To book a tree inspection in the Sydney,
Central Coast or Newcastle Regions of NSW
please visit this link to see our Tree Safety
Packages or call Will on: 0402418017
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