Falling trees in Colombo: A hidden danger amid nature’s gift

Trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts. They provide  shade, clean the air, and help keep the environment balanced. Yet, in  busy cities like Colombo, trees can sometimes become a danger.  

In 2025 alone, around 67 incidents of tree falls, or broken  branches, were reported in the Colombo Municipal Council area, according  to Environmental Engineer M.P.I.P.M. Pathirana. The rainy weather in  recent months has made the problem worse, causing damage to vehicles,  power lines, and roads, and even putting lives at risk.  

Earlier this year, a tree fell near Kynsey Road, damaging  four vehicles. Telephone wires and power lines have been broken by  falling branches, causing power outages and inconvenience to residents.  On September 26, a tree fell on a bus on Olcott Mawatha, causing heavy  traffic and serious damage.  

Some accidents have been deadly. In August 2025, a tree  branch fell at the Modara Bo Gaha junction, killing a woman. The worst  incident in recent years occurred on October 5, 2023, when a tree fell  on a bus in Kollupitiya, killing five people and injuring others.  

Falling trees not only threaten lives and property but also  disrupt daily life. Roads blocked by fallen trees make it difficult for  people to go to work, school, or run businesses. Beyond these immediate  effects, tree loss also harms the environment. Trees help reduce air  pollution, absorb CO2, and cool the city. Losing them can increase heat  and pollution levels in Colombo, home to over 2.6 million people.  

According to Engineer Pathirana, there are several reasons  why trees fall in the city. “The soil in Colombo is sandy, so tree roots  don’t grow very deep. A tall tree may have roots only five feet deep,  which makes it unstable. Roots are also sometimes cut during  construction, preventing proper growth. Other factors include old age,  root decay, parasites, moss growth, holes in the trunk, and damage from  human activity,” he explained.  

To reduce risks, the Colombo Municipal Council has started a  programme to identify and manage dangerous trees. “We use modern  technology to scan tree trunks and detect cavities or weaknesses. We  have teams working during the day and night to remove hazardous trees  and prune branches in busy areas like Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Ananda  Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Gregory’s Road, and Thummulla,” Pathirana said.  

The council focuses on protecting trees while ensuring  safety. This includes pruning high branches, removing dangerous limbs  near buildings, and treating damaged trees. Complete prevention of tree  falls is impossible, he noted, but careful planting, protecting root  systems, and proper maintenance can make a big difference.  

Trees give us countless benefits, but as Colombo shows,  they can also pose hidden dangers. By balancing safety with  preservation, the city hopes to keep its trees healthy while protecting  its people.