Tree safety – why post-storm checks matter

At UCL, our campus isn’t just a centre of research and teaching – it’s a living landscape. From the iconic trees in the Main Quad to the green spaces around Bloomsbury, nature is woven into our daily environment. But after severe weather, these familiar features can pose hidden risks.

Storms can leave trees in a fragile state

Heavy rain, strong winds and snow can damage trees in ways that aren’t immediately visible. A tree that looks stable might have internal cracks, weakened roots, or hanging branches that could fall without warning. On a busy campus like ours, that’s a risk we must manage.

• Unseen damage: Storms can cause structural weaknesses that aren’t obvious at first glance.
• Delayed failures: Trees may appear stable but collapse days or weeks later.
• High foot traffic: Trees near walkways, lecture halls, and residences pose greater risks if compromised.

Annual surveys are helpful – but not enough

At UCL, annual tree surveys are a key part of our grounds maintenance plan. They support long-term planning and help us monitor tree health across campus. But trees don’t follow timetables – they grow, shift, and respond to their environment daily. A shrub this term could be a tree next term. And a healthy tree today could become hazardous overnight.

That’s why ongoing awareness is essential. Everyone in our community – students, staff and visitors – should feel confident to:

• Report concerns like leaning trees, broken limbs, or exposed roots.
• Request inspections after major weather events.

• Stay aware of how trees change over time – and notice when something doesn’t look right.

Trees are living systems

Unlike buildings or benches, trees are dynamic. They respond to stress, age, and environmental changes. Treating them as static features is a mistake. Just as we wouldn’t ignore a cracked wall or loose railing, we shouldn’t overlook signs of tree stress.

What you can do

• After storms, take a moment to observe trees along your usual routes.
• Look for signs like hanging branches, leaning trunks, or disturbed soil.
• Report any signs of damage or instability on MyCampus.
• Take notice, report and help make safety part of everyday campus life.

By being aware and taking action when needed, we help keep UCL safe, green, and a great place to be. Trees are part of UCL's identity – let’s protect them, and ourselves, with care and attention.

Spotted a tree issue? Log it on MyCampus – your report helps keep UCL safe

Feedback on our website

Help us improve the website and let us know your suggestions, feedback, or comments. Please contact us.