A fallen tree can make you dig into your pocket due to property damage or the injury of a loved one. Trees fall for various reasons, including fungi, water damage, or other external factors. Just because a tree is huge and sturdy doesn’t mean it is not susceptible to damage. You should pay attention to the telltale signs showing your tree is about to fall.

1. Sudden Leaning or Shifting

It is common for trees on your property to lean from time to time. Trees usually lean towards light or shift due to the persistent wind exposure over time. However, a sudden lurch of a tree to one side is a cue that it’s about to fall. When trees suddenly lean in one direction, they lose their strength and eventually collapse.

In such instances, it is critical to observe the tree’s base. If the soil is swelling upwards, the tree is about to fall. Therefore, you will need to get in touch with an arborist to sort everything out. You should have your trees inspected and keep people or pets away from the area until the professional arborist gives you the go-ahead.

2. Dead Branches

When your tree lacks nutrients, its branches die and fall. Root rot is a common cause of dead branches and leaves since the tree cannot nourish them. As a result, the tree sheds off its branches to survive on the available nutrients. One gust of wind is enough to take the dead branches down. It could happen anytime, even on a hot and sunny day.

3. Hollow Spots in the Trunk

A crack in the trunk is an indication that your tree is splitting. Like any other cavities, tree cavities result from decay. The decay usually comes from within the tree due to improper pruning. As the cavities grow, the trunk weakens, unable to support itself. Strong winds will quickly take down the entire tree or its branches.

4. Rotten Roots

It can be challenging to identify rotten roots since the soil usually covers them. Look out for fungus, falling leaves, mushrooms around the base, and dead branches. Once you identify these signs, get hold of a certified arborist to help develop an action plan on the treatment of the tree before it falls.

Bark and Pest Monitoring
Taking prompt action is crucial, as these warning signs indicate potential danger. The integrity of a tree can also be compromised by bark abnormalities. Peeling or cracking bark or the presence of fungi, such as shelf mushrooms, signals internal decay. This decay can cause structural weakness, making the tree more likely to fall during storms or high winds.

Environmental Considerations
Another critical sign to watch for is the presence of pests. Insects like bark beetles and wood borers can severely weaken a tree by tunneling through its trunk and branches, compromising the tree’s structural integrity. Regularly inspecting your trees for holes or sawdust-like frass can help you catch these infestations early.

Preventive Tree Care
In addition to physical signs, environmental factors also play a significant role. Trees that have been exposed to excessive waterlogging may have weakened root systems, making them more susceptible to falling. Conversely, prolonged drought conditions can also stress trees, making them prone to dropping branches or falling over entirely.

If you have trees on your property, whether a business or home, you must be watchful of the signs that they are about to fall. At Nationwide Tree Service, we are professional arborists in Pasadena, MD. We provide tree removal, stump grinding, trimming, pruning, bracing, commercial tree service, emergency tree services, and more.