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dead trees broken branches material may

fall from a tree

trees leaning

more than 10°

signs of disease

 Dead trees (including those killed by 

 beetles, fire, insects, and disease) are

 very dangerous.

 Broken hanging branches may fall

 unexpectedly.

 Material may fall from a tree (including

 nests) without warning.

 Signs of disease, especially mushrooms or 

 conks (perennial fruiting bodies), are

 evidence of weakened tree structure.

 Leaning trees at greater than 10° from

 vertical pose a high potential for failure. 

To Recognize a Hazard Tree...

 ...FIRST LOOK UP

THINGS THAT “SHOUT”—“WATCH OUT”...

Publication No. R10–PR–12; March 2007

Hazard Trees Safe Backcountry Travel in Alaska

Lori Trummer and Paul Hennon Forest Service,

Alaska Region, State and Private Forestry.

USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry

Forest Health Protection

Tel 907.743.9455

 Southcentral Field Office

3301 “C” Street, Suite 202

Anchorage, AK 99503-3956

 Southeast Field Office

2770 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A

Juneau, AK 99801

 Interior Field Office

3700 Airport Way

Fairbanks, AK 99709

www.fs.fed.us/r10/spf/fhp

hot button: hazard trees

For More Information:
What is Your Risk?

Exposure time to hazard trees varies based on the 

amount of time visitors are in one location. 

Minimal

• Hikers spend relatively little time in one place (perhaps one minute).

Moderate

• Picnickers have more exposure (one to several hours).

Maximum

• Campers have the longest exposure. (from many 

hours to many days). Thus, campers have the highest 

potential to encounter a hazard tree.

Three Basics for Safety

We hope you enjoy your 

recreational experience 

and remember to practice 

awareness and good 

judgment around hazard 

trees in your travels.

What You Can Do to Reduce Risk

Be observant! Examine trees in your camping or 

picnic area for evidence of hazard or failure potential. Take action by moving yourself and your 

belongings to a safe area if you suspect a hazard.

 Avoid all dead trees, hazardous

 trees, and the danger zone in 

 which they may fail. Never

 picnic or camp close to a 

 dead tree; it could fall at 

 any time without warning.

 Never underestimate the danger

 posed by small trees. Dead trees

 or tree parts 6 ̋ in cross-section

 have fallen and killed hikers

 and campers.

 Avoid trees with excessive lean 

 (10° or greater) or evidence of 

 defect. Move yourself and

 belongings to a safe area.

 Be especially cautious of

 hazard trees in strong winds.

 Select a safe place to spend

 the night.

 Do not chop or bang into dead 

 trees as the entire tree or top

 branches may fall on you.

Hazard Trees in Alaska

Trees are the dominant 

feature of forested ecosystems. Every tree will 

ultimately die, decay, and 

be recycled into the ecosystem to provide nutrients for 

future forests. While these 

processes are natural, they 

can pose a threat to backcountry travelers. 

Alaska is known as one of the 

world’s premier destinations for 

backcountry adventure. But with 

adventure comes the risk inherent with backcountry travel. This leaflet can help you 

recognize safe backcountry behavior around trees 

anywhere in Alaska.

What is a Hazard Tree?

The risk posed by hazard trees is often overlooked.

What is Your Responsibility?

Land management agencies cannot remove all 

hazard trees in the vast public lands in Alaska, and 

typically they only attempt to remove hazard trees 

in developed areas with high public use. 

Visitors must be aware of the dangers 

of hazard trees and take precautions, 

especially in backcountry settings.

A hazard tree is defined by:

1. Potential risk of failure

 A tree or part of a tree has a defect

 (or defects) that makes it predisposed

 to failure.

2. Potential for damage

 A tree is located so that failure

 presents a threat to people or property.