7 Signs a Tree Could Be Dangerous

LARGE DEAD BRANCHES

Deadwood is one of the easier warning signs for homeowners to spot.

A branch that has died no longer has the same strength and flexibility as healthy living wood. Over time it can become brittle and eventually break away.

Small dead twigs are common and generally aren’t a major concern. Large dead limbs are different — particularly when they are above driveways, buildings, play areas or places where people regularly walk.

If you can see significant deadwood high in the canopy, don’t stand underneath it trying to inspect it closely.

NEW CRACKS OR SPLITS

Cracks in major branches or where large limbs join the trunk deserve attention.

Trees naturally develop all sorts of shapes and features, so not every line or mark in the bark is a structural problem. What matters is noticing something that appears new, is opening up, or has changed after bad weather.

Pay particular attention to:

• Fresh splits in large limbs.
• Cracks where two major stems meet.
• Branches that appear to be separating.
• Freshly exposed wood.

Large cracks can be difficult to assess from the ground, so this is one of those situations where professional advice is worthwhile.

THE TREE HAS STARTED LEANING

Plenty of perfectly healthy trees grow at an angle.

What is more important is whether a tree has recently changed position.

If a previously upright tree begins leaning following heavy rain, strong winds or ground disturbance, it is worth taking seriously.

Look from a safe distance for signs such as disturbed soil, newly exposed roots or lifting ground around the base of the tree.

A noticeable new lean combined with movement around the root plate should be professionally assessed rather than investigated up close.

MOVEMENT OR DAMAGE AROUND THE ROOTS

The part of the tree you can’t see is just as important as the trunk and branches above ground.

Roots anchor the tree and support its ability to take up water and nutrients. Significant root damage or movement around the base can therefore affect the stability and health of the entire tree.

Things worth noticing include:

• Soil lifting or cracking around the base.
• Newly exposed roots.
• Major roots that have been cut or damaged.
• Recent excavation close to the tree.
• A sudden change following heavy rain or storms.

Avoid digging around large structural roots just to investigate them. If you suspect a problem, have the tree assessed.

CAVITIES, DECAY OR DAMAGED AREAS

Trees can continue growing for many years with cavities, old wounds and damaged areas, so seeing one doesn’t automatically make a tree unsafe.

However, substantial decay in important parts of the tree can reduce the amount of sound wood supporting branches or the trunk.

Be especially aware of significant changes around the base of the tree, major branch unions and large existing wounds.

Decay can also extend further inside a tree than is obvious from the outside, which is why visual appearance alone doesn’t always tell the whole story.

FUNGAL GROWTH AROUND THE TREE

Mushrooms or fungal fruiting bodies growing on or around a tree aren’t automatically a reason to panic.

Some fungi live harmlessly in soil or organic material. Others can be associated with decaying wood or roots.

What matters is the type of fungus, where it is growing and the overall condition of the tree.

If you suddenly notice significant fungal growth around the base of a mature tree — particularly alongside other signs such as dieback, cavities or instability — it is worth having the tree checked.

THE TREE LOOKS DIFFERENT AFTER A STORM

Strong wind and heavy rain can reveal weaknesses that weren’t obvious beforehand.

Once the weather has passed, take a look at your trees from a safe position and compare them with how they normally look.

Check for:

• Broken or hanging branches.
• Fresh cracks.
• A noticeable change in lean.
• Branches caught in other parts of the canopy.
• Movement around the roots.
• Large branches resting on buildings or structures.

Never assume a damaged limb is secure just because it remained in the tree during the storm.

TRUST CHANGES MORE THAN APPEARANCE

Mature trees naturally have scars, unusual shapes, dead twigs and all sorts of imperfections.

The useful thing for a homeowner to recognise is change.

If a large tree suddenly looks different, develops new damage or behaves differently after a storm, there is usually no downside to getting it checked.

Kirkwood can assess the tree and explain whether it simply needs tree maintenance, further monitoring or whether tree removal should be considered.