JULY 9 — On most days, few people pay much attention to the towering trees that line university roads, shade parking areas, and shelter walkways from Malaysia’s relentless tropical heat.

Students hurry to class beneath them. Staff walk past them on their way to meetings. Visitors enjoy the cooler temperatures they provide. Yet when strong winds arrive and thunderstorms darken the sky, these same trees can suddenly become a source of fear.

Across Malaysia, falling branches and uprooted trees have caused injuries, damaged vehicles, disrupted traffic, and in some cases claimed lives. As extreme weather events become more frequent, public concern over tree safety is growing.

The question facing many institutions is increasingly difficult: Should potentially hazardous trees be removed to protect public safety, or should they be preserved as part of our environmental heritage?

A recent case study conducted at Universiti Malaya (UM) under the UM Living Lab Just Net Zero Programme suggests that the answer may not lie in choosing between safety and sustainability, but in learning how to achieve both.

The trees that shape our daily lives

Trees are often appreciated only when they are gone. Their benefits are easy to overlook because they quietly improve everyday life. They cool surrounding temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, filter air pollutants, reduce noise, support biodiversity, and provide shade in a country where temperatures frequently exceed 30°Celsius.

For students interviewed in the study, mature trees were not merely landscaping features. They were part of the campus identity.

Several respondents described the university’s greenery as one of its defining characteristics. Without the mature trees, they argued, the campus would feel less welcoming, less beautiful, and less connected to nature.

Scientific research increasingly supports these perceptions. Studies around the world have shown that access to green spaces can reduce stress, improve concentration, enhance mental well-being, and contribute to healthier communities.

At a time when concerns about student mental health are rising globally, the value of urban greenery extends far beyond aesthetics.

When climate change changes the conversation

However, climate change is complicating the relationship between people and trees. Malaysia is experiencing more frequent episodes of intense rainfall, strong winds, and unpredictable weather. These conditions place increasing pressure on ageing trees and urban landscapes.

While healthy trees are generally safe, neglected or structurally compromised trees can become vulnerable during severe weather events.

For many respondents, awareness of these risks only emerged after learning about past incidents involving falling trees.

This reflects a wider societal challenge. Public discussions about urban trees often occur only after an accident has happened. As a result, the debate frequently becomes polarised between those demanding immediate removal and those calling for conservation.

Yet experts argue that such a choice presents a false dilemma.

Cutting down trees is not a sustainability strategy

When a tree falls and causes damage, the immediate response is often straightforward: remove the tree and prevent future risks.

But according to experts interviewed for the study, not every leaning or ageing tree should automatically be considered dangerous.

“Just because a tree is slanted does not mean it should be cut down,” one expert explained. “Trees are living systems. Their condition must be assessed professionally rather than judged by appearance alone.”

Modern arboriculture provides a range of tools for managing risks. Professional inspections, targeted pruning, structural support systems, disease treatment, and continuous monitoring can often address safety concerns without removing mature trees.

This is particularly important because the ecological value of large trees cannot be replaced overnight. A tree that has taken decades to grow may require generations to replace.

Why this matters beyond campus

The issue extends far beyond universities. Across Malaysia, local councils, property managers, schools, and urban planners are facing similar challenges. As cities become denser and temperatures continue to rise, mature trees are increasingly recognised as critical urban infrastructure.

They help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, support wildlife habitats, and strengthen climate resilience.

These contributions align directly with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

In other words, trees are not simply environmental amenities. They are essential assets for building healthier, safer, and more sustainable cities.

Removing them without careful assessment may solve one problem while creating many others.

Towards smarter tree management

The study identified several practical measures that could help institutions balance safety with sustainability.

These include regular tree health assessments; professional risk audits, digital reporting systems that allow the public to flag concerns, and improved communication regarding tree maintenance decisions.

During severe weather events, temporary route diversions, safety alerts, and proactive monitoring can further reduce risks.

When a tree must be removed, communities deserve to understand why. Clear explanations help build trust and demonstrate that decisions are based on evidence rather than convenience.

Most importantly, experts emphasise that tree management should be proactive rather than reactive. Preventing accidents is far more effective than responding to them after they occur.

The bigger question

The debate over mature trees ultimately reflects a broader challenge facing society.

As climate change intensifies and cities continue to expand, communities will increasingly be asked to balance environmental protection with public safety.

The choice, however, should not be framed as people versus nature.

A truly sustainable future requires both.

The real challenge is not deciding whether to cut down trees or preserve them. It is developing the knowledge, resources, and commitment needed to manage them responsibly.

After all, the strongest communities are not those that remove every risk. They are those that learn how to live safely alongside the natural systems that sustain them.

* The authors are from the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.