A dead or failing tree near your home is one of the biggest risks on your property, especially in hurricane country. The good news is that most dangerous trees give warning signs long before they fall. Here's what to look for.
Signs a Tree Is Dead or Dying
- No leaves in season, or leaves only on a few branches
- Brittle branches that snap easily instead of bending
- Bark peeling or falling off in large sections
- The scratch test: Scrape a small spot on a twig with your fingernail. Green underneath means alive. Brown and dry means that part is dead
- Mushrooms or fungus growing on the trunk or at the base, a common sign of internal rot
Signs a Tree Is Dangerous, Even If It's Alive
- A new or worsening lean, especially with soil cracking or lifting on the opposite side
- Cracks or splits in the trunk or where large branches meet the trunk
- Hollow or soft spots in the trunk
- Large dead limbs hanging in the canopy, sometimes called "widowmakers"
- Damaged or cut roots from construction, driveway work or plumbing repairs
- Two trunks forming a tight V with a crack between them
Where It Matters Most
A failing tree in an open field is one thing. The same tree over your roof, bedroom, pool cage, driveway or a neighbor's house is a priority. Look at what it would hit if it fell.
What to Do Next
- Don't wait for a storm. Weak trees are the first to come down when the wind picks up.
- Take photos of the whole tree, the base and any cracks or fungus.
- Get it looked at. Sometimes removing a few dead limbs is enough. Sometimes the whole tree needs to come down.
Get a Fast Opinion
Text those photos to (954) 730-1776 with your city. You'll get a free price range and a straight answer on whether it needs trimming or removal. If a tree is already falling or on your house, call right away. Emergency tree service.
Related: Hurricane Season Tree Prep Checklist | Tree Removal in Broward