Is that old tree in your yard really safe or is it silently threatening? Trees are beautiful and essential to our environment. But they can also become dangerous when they get weakened or damaged. A falling tree can cause property destruction and personal injury. One can even die. By understanding the early signs of a failing tree, you could make a positive difference between a proactive save and a costly disaster. This guide is all about that. We will learn the most telling warning signs your tree might fall and help you know exactly when to take action.

1. Leaning Trees That Weren’t Leaning Before

All the trees lean a little. It is part of nature. But if your tree is suddenly leaning or if its angle of lean has increased over time, then that is a major red flag. This shows that it has a compromised root system or internal trunk damage. A lean of more than 15 degrees from vertical, especially if new, is often a sign that the tree’s structural integrity is failing. Check for cracks in the soil near the base. This signals root plate movement. Don’t ignore this. Even if the tree is still green and leafy.

2. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

A tree’s trunk is its core support system. Cavities in the trunk mean internal decay has started. If oozing sap or fungal growth, it is a strong indicator that the heartwood is rotting. This weakens the tree from within.  A tree can look healthy on the outside. But it could be dying on the inside. These cracks often lead to limb failure or complete collapse, especially during storms.

3. Root Problems: The Hidden Danger

As roots are underground, problems go unnoticed until it is too late. Look for mushrooms or fungal conks at the base of the trees. Especially shelf fungi, as they usually point to root rot or decay. Soil heaving around the base shows recent movement, too. Damaged or girdled roots, nearby construction or compacted soil can also reduce the tree’s stability. If 50% or more of the root system is compromised, then your tree is more likely to fall. Opt for tree inspection services to identify these signals in time. 

4. Dead or Falling Branches

Frequent branch drop, especially large ones, is a clear distress signal. Trees sometimes self-prune when they can’t support their limbs. This is particularly true during drought or disease stress. Watch for deadwood, which appears brittle and leafless. These branches can fall unexpectedly. Even without wind. 

5. Signs of Tree Disease or Pest Infestation

Diseases like Dutch elm disease and anthracnose or root rot are really common and can suck all the strength in your tree. Multiply this by pest attacks of borers and carpenter ants and see your tree die in no time. Arborist safety reports are quite handy in this case. Certified tree contractors look for peeling bark and cankers. They also check for any discoloration or spotted leaves, or sawdust-like residue at the base. These symptoms often go hand-in-hand with internal weakening, thereby making your tree a ticking time bomb. Trees under attack from these threats lose their vitality. In this case, they are more likely to collapse.

6. Canopy Dieback or Sparse Foliage

If the top of the tree (the crown) is thinning, or its entire limbs lack leaves during the growing season, this indicates poor nutrient transport. This is often due to disease or structural failure. A tree can no longer sustain itself if the upper limbs die off.

7. Cankers and Bark Abnormalities

Cankers, sunken, wounded, or discolored areas on the bark are signs of fungal or bacterial infections. They are quite harmful as they create cracking points in the tree and disturb the tree’s ability to circulate nutrients. Missing bark, known as bark sloughing, can also indicate internal rot or trauma. Trees with multiple cankers or large bark wounds may already be in the advanced decline phase.

8. Sudden Changes in Tree Posture

Tree changed posture? It may have experienced root plate failure. This happens after heavy storms or freeze-thaw cycles. These activities weaken anchoring systems. So, if you see your trees leaning slightly more,  avail emergency tree removal services.

9. Soil Erosion Around Roots

Trees located on slopes or near rivers may experience root exposure due to erosion. They can also face erosion when flooding occurs. If too much soil is washed away, roots become visible and unsupported. This destabilizes the tree, especially in high winds or saturated ground. Your trees are more likely to uproot as well.

10. Multiple Warning Signs – All at Once

One sign may not spell disaster. A combination of symptoms, however, should raise alarms for you. Trees rarely fail without warning. If your tree shows two or more of the signs above, it is time to consult an ISA Certified Arborist to check your trees.

When to Take Action

If your tree is near a power line or driveway, don’t wait. Even minor symptoms can become life-threatening when property or lives are at stake. Tree risk evaluation, especially before and after storm season,s can catch these problems early. Take immediate action if:

• The tree is leaning more than before.
• Any visible movement in the soil around the base.
• Large dead branches are falling frequently.
• There are signs of internal rot or pest damage.
• The tree cracks or shifts. 

In such cases, tree removal or bracing may be necessary to prevent danger. 

Don’t Wait for It to Fall

Many homeowners ignore early signs. They usually assume that a tree is safe if it is still standing. Unfortunately, this is not true. It only takes one storm or one strong gust of wind to send an unhealthy tree crashing down. An inspection or pruning can prolong your tree’s life or prevent an accident entirely. Be observant. Be proactive. And when in doubt, always stand on the side of safety.

Looking for professional tree assessments and safe removal services? Contact our trusted experts at Tree Cutting BX. We assure you won’t regret it!