Dangerous Tree: What to Do – A Practical Guide for Belgium

You have noticed a dangerous tree threatening your garden, terrace or street? What should you do? In Belgium, weather conditions (wind, frost, thunderstorms) and the types of trees found in the urban landscape (oak, maple, lime, sycamore…) can sometimes create hazardous situations. This guide helps you identify the danger, act quickly and know when to call a professional like Plumridge, your arboriculture coordinator based in Brussels.

1. Identifying a dangerous tree

Before asking what to do about a dangerous tree, you need to know which signs genuinely indicate a hazard:

• Cracked or hollow trunk: significant cracks or cavities that are growing over time.
• Dead or broken branches hanging down or leaning dangerously.
• Trunk instability: the trunk swaying abnormally when pushed gently.
• Visible disease: fungi, black spots on the bark or dieback.
• Exposed roots breaking through the surface, especially in paved areas of Ixelles or Woluwe‑Saint‑Pierre.

If you observe any of these signs, the next step is to assess the immediate risk.

2. The most common risks in Brussels and Walloon Brabant

In our region, certain trees are more likely to cause problems:

• Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) – very common in the Forêt de Soignes parkland; it can lose large branches during thunderstorms.
• Silver sycamore – popular along the central boulevards; its shallow roots lift pavements.
• Poplar – often planted along the canal in Jette; vulnerable to strong winds and can snap suddenly.
• Field maple – common on the streets of Uccle; develops trunk cracks when exposed to frost.

Neighbourhoods with high tree density, such as the avenues of the Hautes Klandes area in Saint-Gilles or the tree-lined streets near the Parc de la Dyle in Wavre, are the most affected.

3. What to do immediately about a dangerous tree

Here are the steps to take as soon as you suspect a hazard:

• Move people and animals away from the danger zone.
• Mark the perimeter with signs or yellow tape, especially if the tree is near a road (e.g. Chaussée de Charleroi in Anderlecht).
• Do not try to remove branches yourself: even a small branch can fall unpredictably.
• Notify the commune authorities: the commune of Watermael‑Boitsfort has an arboricultural intervention service for immediate risks.
• Take photos and note the exact location (address, neighbourhood, GPS coordinates) to help the professional assessment.

These simple measures limit the danger while you arrange for an expert intervention.

4. When to call a professional

After taking the initial steps, the question of what to do about a dangerous tree often leads to calling an arborist. Here are the situations where you should contact Plumridge without delay:

• The trunk has a crack exceeding 30 cm or is shifting away from the tree’s centre.
• Branch loss exceeds 1 metre in length.
• The danger is near a power line (e.g. Rue de la Loi in Brussels).
• The owner does not have insurance covering potential damage.
• The problem is in a public space (roads, parks, schools) where the authority is responsible.

A certified arborist will assess the tree’s health and propose a safe tree removal, tree pruning or bracing installation, depending on the case.

5. How to choose an arborist in Brussels

There are several criteria to ensure you choose the right professional:

• Certification – check for an arborist diploma or training recognised by ARBO-Belgium.
• Insurance – the company must be covered for property and personal injury damage.
• Local experience – a provider who knows the specifics of Brussels soils and the Walloon Brabant subsoil (e.g. the chalky soil fractures in Ottignies‑Louvain‑la‑Neuve).
• Municipal references – local authorities often work with companies that have already completed interventions on major boulevards such as Avenue Louise or Boulevard du Luxembourg.
• Free and transparent quote – a good arborist will offer you a detailed quote with no hidden costs.

At Plumridge, we combine all these requirements with in-depth knowledge of Brussels’ tree heritage, from the oaks of Parc de Laeken to the poplars along the Canal de Willebroek.

6. FAQ – Dangerous tree: what to do

What is the response time after a call?

We commit to intervening within 48 hours for urgent cases (trunk in danger, branch fallen on a public path). For less critical situations, an appointment is scheduled within 10 working days.

Do I need to pay before the work?

We provide a free quote. Payment is made after the intervention is completed, once the work has been validated.

What is the average cost of tree felling?

The price depends on the tree’s size, access and the safety measures required. On average, a 15 m tall tree in a residential garden costs between €1,200 and €2,500.

Can a diseased tree be saved?

Yes, if the problem is identified early (fungal infection, dieback). We offer curative treatments and monitoring programmes.

Don’t let doubt linger: if you have spotted a tree that seems dangerous, act now.

Contact us or request a free quote for a quick and professional inspection.

For further information, see planning permission in Wallonia (1890.be).

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