Is My Tree Dangerous?

Most trees stand for decades without trouble, but a few warning signs mean a tree could drop a limb or fall. It's worth a walk around the yard after storms and once a year.

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Dead branches

Branches without leaves in summer, or with bark falling off, can drop at any time. They're most dangerous over roofs, driveways and play areas.

Cracks and splits

Deep cracks in the trunk or where large limbs join are serious, especially at tight V-shaped forks.

Photo: a large limb split away from the trunk at a weak fork.

Leaning

A tree that has started leaning recently, especially with soil heaving on one side, may be losing its root hold.

Photo: an uprooted tree with its root plate lifted from the soil.

Decay and fungus

Mushrooms at the base, soft wood and hollow sounds point to rot inside.

Root damage

Trenching, driveways and grade changes can cut roots and weaken a tree years later.

Dead ash

Ash trees killed by emerald ash borer become brittle and break unpredictably.

Near the house

Any of these signs in a tree that could hit the house deserves a professional look soon.

Get an opinion

A tree service or certified arborist can assess the risk and options.

See tree removal or tree health checks.

More tree service guides

Tree trouble in Allentown?

Send a request and a tree care professional will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.

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