MARS HILL Watch out for falling trees in the forest.

There will be a hazardous tree removal project on the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest over the next two months along National Forest Road No. 74/Big Ivy, NFR No. 2074/Neal's Creek, and NFR No. 472/South Toe.

The deadly hemlock wooly adelgid has attacked and killed many trees along open Forest Service roads. These weakened trees can fall unannounced and pose a safety hazard for forest visitors and personnel traveling these roads, according to a statement from the National Forest Service.

All roads will remain open to the public except Neal's Creek, but forest users can expect temporary delays while road ways are being cleared.

This removal project is essential to provide safe access to areas on the district, as well as protection of forest resources. The Forest Service reminds visitors to be cautious on mountain roads.

Be aware of your surroundings as trees can fall without warning, and be particularly watchful when it is windy. If you are in the forest when winds kick up, head to a clearing out of reach of any potentially falling trees. Avoid parking or camping in areas where trees could fall. Park close to a main road to avoid being trapped if a tree falls across the road.