If a tree falls in the empty woods, it doesn’t make a sound. But if a tree falls on a car, it’s a call to action.

In the last few weeks, Natchez has seen two freak incidents in which trees or tree limbs fell onto moving cars.

First on Canal Street then on Morgantown Road, two drivers had unexpected roadblocks.

Thankfully, both drivers walked away from their totaled vehicles unharmed.

The first incident sparked Natchez aldermen to discuss the city’s role in offering protection to motorists by trimming tree limbs back from the roadways.

We are glad the aldermen are considerate of safety, but we don’t think trees are something that can be governed.

Of the thousands of trees in Natchez, only two have fallen on vehicles recently. Sure, that’s two, too many, but let’s be realistic. Has man ever been able to stop Mother Nature?

Cutting trees and limbs back from roadways is a monumental task. “Where to begin?” is the true question.

And even if the city were in the tree-trimming business, a tree could still fall on another vehicle.

The city’s budget is in no condition to start new projects, especially unrealistic ones.

We don’t want to see any drivers injured or cars damaged by falling trees, but we also simply cannot control such.

The city leaders need to focus repairing a broken budget and governing the people — not the trees.