Trees are awesome. They give oxygen, beauty, shade, and even shelter. But, trees also pose risks when planted on or near commercial properties. When not maintained properly, trees can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure and even result in personal injury or death. This article will explore the potential dangers posed by trees that necessitate commercial tree risk assessments and other preventative measures.
Physical Damage
The most apparent danger posed by trees on or near commercial property is physical damage. Trees can cause structural damage to buildings, sidewalks, and other structures when not properly maintained.
Large overgrown branches may break off during storms or high winds and damage nearby structures, and certain tree species are even known to have more invasive roots that disrupt foundations and even sewage systems.
To prevent physical damage to commercial property, it is important to regularly inspect the trees on or near your property. Professional tree assessments can provide insight into a tree’s health and potential risks due to age, size, species, and location. Regular pruning and removal of dead wood should also be done by a certified arborist to further guarantee safety.
Liability Risk
When a visitor or employee is injured on-site due to a tree’s condition, you may be held liable for any damages. For example, if a large branch falls and injures an employee or customer due to poor maintenance, the owner of the property could be held responsible for any medical bills or lost wages associated with the injury.
To prevent or mitigate the risk of liability, you want to once again regularly inspect and maintain trees on your property by having dead branches removed immediately, and any potential hazards such as large roots or weak limbs addressed by an arborist. Then, putting up signs to warn visitors of potential risks may further help to protect you from liability in the event of an accident.
Environmental Impact
Trees can also cause environmental damage when not properly maintained.
For example, poorly trimmed branches can block sunlight from entering a building, which may lead to mold growth or other problems with ventilation and air quality. Plus, dead or diseased trees can become a breeding ground for pests. Biodiversity may even be negatively impacted.
To prevent environmental damage from trees, branches should be trimmed properly to reduce the risk of mold growth in buildings, and dead or diseased trees should be removed immediately. Additionally, planting native species of trees will help maintain the natural balance and promote biodiversity.
Trees can be an important part of a commercial property and provide many benefits, such as shade and aesthetics. However, without proper maintenance, they can also pose risks to the safety of visitors and employees as well as damage to buildings and the environment. Regular tree assessments are necessary to ensure that trees are maintained safely to minimize potential risks. In addition, signs should be posted to warn visitors of potential hazards, and native species should be planted to promote biodiversity.
