There are risks involved in being outdoors but there are things you can do to minimise the risk to you and others. One of the risks in the parks and reserves along the Murray River is trees falling or dropping limbs. Trees can drop limbs, or entire trees can fall, without warning and there is no way of determining when a tree might fall or drop a limb.

Trees may be particularly prone to dropping a limb or falling when they are under stress. This stress may include:

• High wind
• Extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature
• Drought
• Fire
• Compaction
• Flood

When a tree falls there is no way of predicting which way it will fall so it is important to stay clear of trees in all directions. A limb falling from a tree often does not fall
straight down. The limbs may bounce against other limbs and swing out well beyond the drip line (the edge of the canopy) of the tree.

River Red Gums drop branches

River Red Gums are unique to the Australian bush and grow along the waterways as well as in other areas where water is not apparent at surface level. In fact River Red Gums are the most widespread eucalypt in Australia. They propagate when floodwaters run high and can live up to 700 years or more. A feature of River Red Gums is that they drop their limbs in times of drought to conserve water. The hollows created by the falling of the limbs are ideal homes to a host of wildlife, making the River Red Gum a magical ecosystem along the inland waterways of the Australian bush. The Murray River's Red Gums are particularly prone to dropping large branches at any time without warning. This is why the safest place for all visitors to enjoy a rest, pitch their tent, park their car or have a picnic is in a clear area AWAY from large trees.

However, the risk of falling limbs applies not only to River Red Gums, so be sure to stay well clear of ALL trees regardless of their type. Be safe, not sorry As there is no way to predict exactly when a tree might fall or drop a limb it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.