Most trees are safe, healthy, and worth keeping. But storms, age, and disease can quietly turn a tree into a serious hazard — for your roof, your car, and your family. Here's what to look for before it becomes an emergency.
1. Large dead branches, especially near the top
A few dead twigs are normal. Large dead limbs, particularly high in the canopy, are a sign the tree is struggling or already dying from the top down. Dead wood is brittle and far more likely to fail in wind or ice.
2. Leaning that's new or getting worse
Some trees naturally grow at an angle. What matters is a lean that's new, or one where you can see soil lifting or roots pulling up on one side — a strong sign the root system is failing and the tree could come down in the next big storm.
3. Fungus, cavities, or peeling bark at the base
Mushrooms or shelf fungus growing on the trunk or exposed roots often mean internal decay. A hollow sound when you tap the trunk, visible cavities, or bark that's peeling away in sheets are all signs the structural wood underneath may be compromised.
4. Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
Vertical cracks, especially ones that run deep or appear after a storm, are a sign the tree's structure has already been damaged. These trees can look fine from a distance but fail without much additional warning.
5. It's too close to your house, power lines, or driveway
Even a perfectly healthy tree can be a liability if it's positioned to fall on your roof, garage, or the neighbor's fence. If a large tree is within falling distance of a structure and shows any of the signs above, removal is usually the safer call.
When in doubt, get it looked at
Not every one of these signs means immediate removal — sometimes pruning or cabling can extend a tree's life safely. But if you're seeing more than one of these signs on a large tree near your home, it's worth having it assessed before the next big storm rolls through.
We offer free on-site tree assessments across the St. Louis metro area. Get in touch and we'll take a look.