TROY, Alabama (TROJANVISION) – Rotting trees have raised public safety concerns with the Troy University Police Department (TUPD) following an incident that damaged three cars on campus.

Last week, a tree fell next to Wallace Hall and onto the cars of three faculty and staff members, causing significant damage. According to TUPD Chief George Beaudry, the tree was not caused by severe weather.

“The core of the tree was completely rotted at the point of fracture,” Beaudry told TrojanVision.

Beaudry told TrojanVision that this is not the first time a tree has fallen on campus, so he believes the trees now pose a safety risk.

“In this case, there were no physical injuries, but there could just as easily have been a person lying under the tree,” Beaudry explained.

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Beaudry stressed that he is not a tree expert, but he believes there is a lot that can be done to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

“I think it would be nice to do some testing on some of the older trees to make sure the stability is still there,” Beaudry said.

Beaudry urges people to be aware of their surroundings when standing or parking near trees.

“If you see a lot of small broken branches around the tree, that would be a clue,” Beaudry explained. “You may hear a little bit more noise, a louder creaking or something like that. Keep in mind that it could be a more dangerous place.”

According to Beaudry, most of the dead trees are near Wallace Hall, Sorrell Chapel and the golf course.