Dangerous Falling Trees and Branches
Each year in California, falling trees and branches cause property damage, injuries, and even deaths. The phenomenon is so prevalent that the dramatic term “widowmaker” has been coined by the forestry industry to describe a detached or dead branch hanging in a tree. Because of potential liability associated with owning a property with large trees, many homeowners choose to have their trees cut down. This may not be the best course of action if the tree is healthy. Some trees are protected by law, and having a large tree on your land can significantly increase the property value. In sunny regions such as Los Angeles, the shade a large tree provides can translate into hundreds of dollars in savings in air conditioning costs each year.