When you think of trees, “danger” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But over 100 people are killed by falling trees or branches every year! Sure, the trees don’t mean to do it, but deadly is deadly. And aside from the risk to your life, falling trees can also pose a danger to property like houses and cars.

Since trees can be significantly damaging or deadly, it’s a good idea to learn the signs of danger. Observe your trees in the following four ways, so that you can be on the lookout for trouble.

Check the soil underneath the tree. A tree is only as healthy as its roots. And while any tree could potentially fall in a storm, one with an uncertain foundation is much more likely to do so. Look for fungi in the soil around the bottom of the tree, because this can be a sign that the roots are rotting underground. And if there’s a disturbance going on below the surface, you  might spot cracked or raised soil around the foundation of your tree.

Inspect the trunk. The trunk is your tree’s support system, so you want it to be strong and healthy. If you spot cracks or cavities in the trunk, your tree could be weak and at risk of splitting. If the trunk is shedding bark, the tree could be sick with a fungal disease or simply dying. Dying trees are frail trees, and they’re much more easily toppled by wind or other stress factors.

Look at the limbs and leaves. Dead wood and bare spots might be a sign of disease. As those branches become more brittle, they are more prone to falling on cars, houses, or people.

Observe the direction of the tree. It’s not a sure thing, but a tree that is leaning is likely to be weakened already. If it falls, you can predict the direction it will go. Is your home underneath?

If you think a tree might have become hazardous, give us a call right away. It’s hard to predict exactly when a tree will fall or the direction it will go, but we can help you prevent danger by removing it safely.