Resource Number: 36789
Title: Community Tree Risk Management: Findings from the Southeastern USA
Resource Type: Fact sheet
Description: Urban forests contribute a range of ecological, social, and economic benefits, including carbon sequestration, urban heat island reduction, and stormwater interception. However, urban trees are also subject to possible failure, which can lead to injury and property damage. Damage from failure events may result in legal action to address negligence. As such, managing for tree risk is an important objective of municipal tree care programs across the United States. Based on interviews conducted for three separate studies across Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, this article synthesizes research examining how communities address urban tree hazards. An understanding of risk mitigation practices and ways of approaching liability will enable state and federal agencies to develop targeted resources to assist municipal urban forest programs.
Last Updated: June 5, 2023
Domain(s)/Area(S):
- Urban Forestry
Locations: