Trees bring undeniable beauty to landscapes. They enhance residential yards, make arboretums a pleasure to explore, and give ski resorts their iconic charm. However, in the billboard industry, trees often represent challenges rather than assets. Even the most ardent nature lovers recognize the complications trees can cause when they own or operate billboards. Here’s a closer look at how trees and billboards intersect, and what billboard owners can do to address this issue effectively.
Trees as Visibility Blockers
While trees are admired for their aesthetic value, they become problematic when they obstruct billboard visibility. A tree below your sign is a natural ornament, but as soon as it grows into the line of sight, it turns into a costly hindrance. Across the industry, obstructed billboards result in millions of dollars in lost revenue annually. This makes early detection and resolution essential for billboard operators.
Proactive Measures Are Key
Waiting for a tree to grow tall enough to block your sign can put you at a significant disadvantage. Acting early, while the billboard’s visibility remains unaffected, allows for better negotiating terms. At this stage, the tree’s impact is speculative, giving you time to work with property owners to prevent future obstruction. Once the tree becomes a clear obstacle, leverage shifts entirely to the tree owner, often resulting in steeper financial demands for resolution.
Vegetation Maintenance Agreements
One effective solution for mitigating tree-related issues is entering into a vegetation maintenance agreement. These contracts allow billboard owners to manage vegetation near their signs, including trimming tree limbs that might interfere with visibility. Such agreements typically involve compensating the tree’s owner, with annual payments ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the sign’s value and location. This proactive approach ensures regular upkeep and uninterrupted billboard visibility.
Building for the Long Term
The most straightforward way to avoid tree-related issues is to construct billboards at heights that surpass the growth potential of surrounding trees. Before finalizing the height of a new billboard, conduct thorough measurements to account for both current tree heights and their expected growth over time. This forward-thinking approach can save significant effort and expense in the future.
Legal Boundaries: What Not to Do
No matter how tempting it may seem, taking illegal action against obstructing trees is never worth the risk. Cutting down or poisoning a tree without proper authorization can result in hefty fines—sometimes exceeding $10,000—and legal consequences, including potential jail time. In some cases, offenders are even required to plant new trees, which may further block the billboard. Always follow legal channels to address tree obstructions.
Conclusion
Dealing with tree obstructions is an inevitable part of the billboard business, a challenge that has persisted since the first signs were erected. However, with proactive planning, proper agreements, and adherence to legal practices, these challenges can be managed effectively. By staying ahead of potential issues, billboard owners can ensure their signs remain visible and profitable for years to come.