Park at Your Own Risk!
Here’s something I catch myself doing all the time: Whenever I pull into a parking spot, I look up before I park.
Not because I’m trying to find shade (although that’s a bonus), but because I’m looking at the tree above my car. After years of working as an arborist, it’s become second nature. I notice dead limbs, broken branches, cracks, decay, and anything else that could become a problem.
The truth is, most of us don’t think twice about the trees around us once we leave home. We trust that if there’s a tree over a parking space, sidewalk, playground, or restaurant patio, someone has inspected it and made sure it’s safe.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
At home, we tend to keep an eye on our own trees. We notice when a branch dies, a storm breaks a limb, or a tree starts looking unhealthy because it’s our responsibility to take care of it. But once you’re out in public, you really have no idea how often those trees are being inspected, if they’ve been inspected at all.
That’s why I encourage everyone to get in the habit of looking up.
If you see a large dead branch hanging over the parking space you were about to pull into, park somewhere else. If a tree has obvious cracks, broken limbs, or looks like it’s seen better days, it’s probably worth the extra 30-second walk. Most parking lots are exactly what the signs say: park at your own risk.
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Example:
A few years ago, I noticed a tree that was becoming a growing concern at the corner of Broad Street and Arthur Ashe Boulevard, in front of Sabai.
This tree had simply outgrown the space it was planted in. Its roots were literally “oozing” out of the planting well and into the surrounding sidewalk area, a clear sign that the tree was struggling with the limitations of its environment. It was also regularly dropping large, dead limbs onto the sidewalk below, creating a potential hazard for pedestrians, vehicles, and anyone spending time nearby.
Thankfully, to my knowledge, no one was injured. Eventually, the tree was removed before a more serious incident occurred. ____________________________________________________________________________________
The good news? Choosing a different parking spot usually costs you nothing except a few extra steps. Your car (and your insurance company) will probably thank you.
[And if you notice something that really concerns you, don’t be afraid to say something. Let the store manager, property manager, HOA, or parks department know. They may have no idea there’s a hazard until someone points it out. Speaking up could prevent property damage or even keep someone from getting hurt.]
One more thing that often gets overlooked: know how tall your vehicle is.
If you drive a truck, SUV, van, or have a roof rack or cargo box, pay attention to low-hanging branches. It’s surprisingly easy to clip a limb without realizing it. Not only can it damage your vehicle, but it can also tear bark and create wounds that leave the tree vulnerable to insects and disease.
I’m not suggesting you become an arborist every time you leave the house. Just take a few seconds to notice what’s above you. Trees are one of the best parts of our neighborhoods, parks, and communities, but like anything living, they need care. A quick glance upward before you park or head down the sidewalk is a simple habit that can go a long way.
So next time you pull into a parking lot, before you grab your keys and head inside…
Take a second to look up. You might spot something worth avoiding.
Hunter Matthews
7/30/26