BEWARE OF SUDDEN BRANCH FALLS IN BUSHY PARK
The Royal Parks is warning of a new and unusual risk of tree branches suddenly falling in Bushy Park – triggered by the dry weather.
A Royal Parks official said Bushy Park is experiencing an increased risk of sudden branch drop due to the current dry and windy weather.
“The trees are under stress, and park visitors are advised to be mindful of this, especially when sheltering under trees on windy days,” said a spokesperson.
The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome“, is reportedly exacerbated by heatwaves and changes in tree moisture levels.
A Royal Parks spokesperson said: “During this period of extreme dry and windy weather, the trees across the parks are suffering more stress than usual, so there is an increased risk that they may drop branches suddenly.”
ABOUT SUDDEN BRANCH DROP
*Affects large trees such as oak, beech and horse chestnut
*Can occur after a long dry spell, especially if followed by a sudden downpour
*Branches often fall in calm conditions
In 2012, a woman was killed at Kew Gardens after a branch fell unexpectedly from a tree in the the Royal Botanical Gardens. Kew Gardens referred to the incident at the time as a “terrible freak accident”.