Trees instantly enhance their surrounding landscape, but when their health begins to falter, they can quickly turn from an asset to a liability.
Whether it’s due to disease, decay or structural issues, a compromised tree can pose a real risk to nearby buildings and passers-by.
To keep your garden safe, thriving, and looking its best, look out for the following tell-tale signs. These seven symptoms indicate that you need to take swift action and remove the culprit in question before it causes serious harm.
1. Dead or Dying Branches
During a storm, dead branches are usually the first to snap, often causing serious damage on their way down.
To identify them before it’s too late, take a step back and inspect your garden carefully. If you spot any dry or brittle limbs, that’s a sign that the tree you’re eyeing isn’t in the best health.
You should also be on the lookout for bare branches or areas with little to no foliage. These are usually the first red flags you’ll notice.
While lopping off dead branches might offer a short-term fix, it doesn’t tackle the root cause of the problem. If a large portion of the bark looks worse for wear, it’s usually safer to bite the bullet and have it removed entirely.
2. Leaning Trunk
When a tree starts to lean noticeably in one direction, it warrants immediate attention, especially if the tilt appears to be worsening over time. In most cases, this tilting is caused by storm damage, strong winds, or saturated soil that weakens the roots.
It can also be a symptom of deeper structural issues below the ground, such as root rot, soil erosion, or untreated damage to the trunk or root system.
Tree cutting isn’t always necessary in these situations, though. A qualified arborist will be able to tell you whether the tree can be stabilised with cables or braces, or if it needs to come down to keep the premises safe.
3. Cracks in the Trunk
Usually caused by lightning strikes, disease, pests, or improper maintenance, hollows and cracks often point to internal damage or weak structure. In either case, they can undermine the tree’s stability.
If the cracks are getting longer or deeper over time, they can speed up its decline. Likewise, visible splits can make the tree more likely to topple over with strong winds or rough weather.
Ignoring these signs could result in significant property damage—or worse, pose a serious risk to people nearby.
4. Fungal Growth
Mushrooms or fungal growth around a tree’s trunk or roots is another sign that something is amiss. In some cases, it often points to internal decay.
Depending on the species involved, fungal infestations can silently cause structural damage beneath the surface. As a result, they undermine the tree’s stability, making it more likely to collapse without any obvious warning signs.
While not all fungi are harmful, they can still chip away at your greenery’s strength by robbing it of valuable nutrients or creating entry points for pests and diseases. So, if you notice anything out of the ordinary growing at the base, make sure to look into it further before brushing it off.
5. Excessive Leaf Drop
Most species shed their leaves at fairly predictable rates that coincide with the changing seasons. If a tree suddenly starts dropping leaves outside its usual cycle, or holds onto them far longer than expected, it could be a subtle sign that it’s under stress.
This kind of disruption could point to underlying issues, like disease, environmental strain, or infection.
So, keep a close eye on your flora’s shedding patterns, and take note of any discoloured or dead leaves that appear out of season. These, too, are common signs of plant distress.
Unchecked, ongoing stress can stunt their growth and slowly diminish their health. In such cases, early intervention can make all the difference in restoring its vitality and preventing further decline.
6. Root Damage
Tree instability is often linked to root damage, which can leave even the healthiest-looking specimens vulnerable to collapse.
The root system plays a vital role in anchoring a tree. If it’s compromised by construction work, poor drainage, or disease, the entire structure could become dangerously unstable.
The risk of damage is even higher for visible roots above the ground, which is why you must keep a close eye on them.
You should also be on the lookout for any signs of erosion or loose soil around the base. These could signal that the roots are losing their grip.
Likewise, if cracks or gaps form in the earth without any obvious cause, this can point to more serious problems within the root network.
Depending on the underlying issue and extent of the damage, targeted treatment or reinforcement may be enough. But in more severe cases, full removal could be the safest, most responsible option.
7. Proximity to Structures
Trees growing close to buildings can present significant safety risks, especially when strong winds or storms roll around. During bouts of severe weather, overhanging branches could snap, resulting in physical injury and costly damage.
To prevent potential disasters, position your trees at least 10 feet away from your home and outdoor structures. This buffer allows for healthy growth while reducing the risk of branches coming into contact with walls, windows, roofs, or power lines.
When assessing a tree’s proximity to a building, it’s important to factor in its growth potential. A young tree may seem harmless now, but in a few years, it could become problematic if left unmanaged.
Regular monitoring and proactive pruning will help you keep your flora in check. But if they’re starting to get too cosy with your home, you can relocate them with the help of a certified arborist.
Conclusion
Catching these issues early on will help you avoid costly repairs and keep both your property and its dwellers out of harm’s way.
These symptoms are especially concerning when trees are near buildings or pedestrian areas, where the safety risk is much higher. So, don’t leave it to chance. Keep a watchful eye on your greenery, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.