Better arboriculture needed, not fear of mature trees

LETTERS: Few urban tree failures in recent months have attracted as much national attention as the fatal, high-profile tree failure along Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, in May 2024.

It quickly dominated news coverage, followed by vigorous public discussion and expert commentary on urban tree safety. Waves of criticism and growing public anxiety over old and large trees became increasingly visible on social media.

The concern is understandable. Official Fire and Rescue Department statistics show that Malaysia recorded 4,751 fallen tree incidents in 2022, 4,825 in 2023, 5,232 in 2024 and 4,488 in 2025.

For those of us living in cities where urban trees are part of daily life, the concern becomes personal: what if those affected were our family members, friends, or even ourselves?

Yet, fatal tree failures should lead to better arboriculture, not fear of mature trees. Speculative fear can sometimes become greater than the danger itself.

Following a high-profile tragedy, the most visible response may be indiscriminate removal of every mature or large tree perceived as potentially hazardous. But eliminating every possible tree risk is neither realistic nor necessarily good arboricultural practice.

Nowadays, technology can further strengthen these measures, including:

· LiDAR and smart inventories: Efficiently capture three-dimensional information on tree height, crown structure and urban tree distribution.

· Aerial and remote-sensing assessment: Supports tree canopy-level assessment, crown structure and changes in canopy health over time.

· Sonic tomography and resistance drilling: Minimally invasive machines to investigate suspected internal defects such as decay, cavities and cracks.

· Ground-penetrating radar: A non-destructive method used to assist in mapping underground root distribution.

In addition, DBKL's recent announcement to install 400 tree monitoring sensors is indeed an encouraging initiative.

Together with the existing sonic tomography, resistance drilling, and remote-sensing technology (LiDAR), DBKL's move broadens the information available to arborists for overall tree assessment.

However, emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), should complement rather than replace professional judgement.

No single method can capture every biological, structural and environmental factor affecting tree stability. Nor should any technology be used as the sole basis for decision-making without an overall tree risk assessment conducted by a certified arborist.

Arborists, local authorities, plant pathologists, and landscape architects can each contribute different expertise towards more effective and resilient risk mitigation.

The public has a role too. Besides early reporting of concerning tree conditions to the relevant authorities, tree vandalism that damages trunks, roots or compact planting soil must be avoided, as such damage can compromise tree health and structural integrity.

Simple actions matter. We can start by avoiding parking and driving over tree root zones, and refraining from dumping or burning domestic waste near a tree base.

A mature tree is not dangerous simply because it is old, large, leaning or showing a defect. The lesson from previous tree failure cases should not be to fear urban trees, but to manage them better.

Public safety and a healthy urban forest are not competing goals. With sound arboriculture, informed communities and proportionate risk management, Malaysia can pursue both.