Spotting a Hazardous Tree: When to Call in the Pros

Every homeowner likes to think they're the master of their own domain—until a tree decides to go rogue. It's easy to miss the signs of a tree that's plotting an unscheduled descent onto your house, but with a few pointers, you can keep an eye on those leafy giants. Here’s how to spot a tree that’s ready to drop more than just a few leaves.

1. Leaning Like It’s Had One Too Many

You ever see that one tree in the yard that looks like it's had a rough night at the bar? A lean isn't just a tree being "quirky." A sudden tilt can mean the roots are saying goodbye to the ground, and that means your roof could be in the tree’s trajectory. Don’t wait for it to make its move—if it’s leaning, it's time to call in the professionals before nature’s heavyweight champ body-slams your house.

2. Dead Wood: The Zombie Branches

Dead branches are like zombies—they look harmless, but they’ll come for you when you least expect it. If you spot branches that are bare while the rest of the tree looks like a forest model, that’s a red flag. Not only are these branches unsightly, but they also have the structural integrity of a soggy noodle. And when they fall, it’s not just a gentle thud—it’s more like a freefalling wrecking ball.

3. Mushrooms: Not Just for Pizza

Sure, mushrooms are great on a pizza, but when they start growing at the base of your tree, it’s time to pay attention. Fungus is a sure sign that the tree is rotting from the inside out. Think of it as nature’s way of telling you that tree's got a slow-motion death wish. You don’t want to wait for that wish to come true.

4. Cracks and Cavities: More Than a Cosmetic Problem

A little character never hurt anyone, right? Well, cracks and cavities in a tree aren't just character flaws—they’re signs of structural issues. Deep cracks or hollow areas mean that the tree is weakening from the inside. Imagine your tree as a house of cards—it’s only a matter of time before it collapses under the weight of its own bad decisions.

5. Root Problems: What Lies Beneath

The roots are the tree’s foundation, and just like your house, if the foundation goes bad, the rest isn’t far behind. If you notice upturned soil or exposed roots, the tree might be trying to tell you it’s about to give up the fight. When roots start pulling up, so does the tree, and it’s usually in the direction you least want it to go.