TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After an incident where three cars were damaged on campus, rotten trees have sparked public safety concerns for the Troy University Police Department (TUPD).

Last week, next to Wallace Hall, a tree broke and fell on three faculty and staff members’ cars, which led to some serious damage. According to TUPD Chief George Beaudry, the tree did not break from severe weather.

“The core of the tree, at the location where it broke, was completely rotten,” Beaudry told TrojanVision.

Beaudry told TrojanVision this is not the first time a tree has broken on campus, which is why he believes the trees now present a safety concern.

“In this case there was no physical injury, but it could have just as easily been a person underneath that tree,” Beaudry explained.

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Beaudry stressed that he is not a tree expert. However, he does think there are some things that could be done to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

“I do think it would be nice if there were some testing done on some of the older trees, just to ensure the stability is still there,” Beaudry said.

Beaudry is urging people to be aware of their surroundings when it comes to hanging out or parking near trees.

“If you see a lot of small broken limbs around that tree that would be an indicator,” Beaudry explained. “You can hear possibly a little bit extra noise, some extra creaking, some things of that nature. Be mindful that it might be a more dangerous place.”

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