Trees can quietly become a safety risk without much warning. One day they provide shade and a breeze, and the next, a heavy branch crashes down after a storm. Ignoring changes in tree structure, health, or stability isn't just risky—it can be dangerous. When any of these signs surface, it might be time to bring in a tree service for safety, and Slidell Tree Service has a word of advice: “Don't wait for a limb to fall or a trunk to split. The earlier we assess it, the more options you'll have to correct the problem before someone gets hurt.”

Identifying Signs of Dangerous Trees Early

Tree safety isn't just about storms or high winds—it's about reading the signs before something goes wrong. Slidell Tree Service once responded to a call where a large oak leaned just slightly—less than 10 degrees. That lean was paired with a rotting base, and within 24 hours, the tree came down across a fence. Small details matter, and recognizing red flags early can stop a close call from turning into a disaster.

  • The U.S. Forest Service lists root rot and structural imbalance as common factors in tree failure

  • According to FEMA, fallen trees are one of the top contributors to storm-related property damage

  • Regular inspections can identify structural defects that aren't visible from a distance

1 Leaning tree with cracked base

A tree that's leaning isn't automatically dangerous—but when that lean is new, worsening, or paired with cracks in the trunk or soil upheaval, it's a clear safety warning. Even a lean of 15 degrees can signal root instability, especially after prolonged rain or shifting soil. Cracks near the base or heaving earth on one side of the trunk often mean the root plate has moved.

  • Soil movement around a tree's base is often a precursor to uprooting

  • A crack in the lower trunk can compromise internal structure, even if it looks minor

  • Trees leaning toward buildings or footpaths should be evaluated immediately

2 Large dead tree branches

Dead limbs might look harmless up high, but they're often dry, brittle, and heavy. These are the same branches that tend to fall without warning, especially during wind gusts or after rainfall. A tree service can remove deadwood safely and reduce stress on the rest of the tree.

  • Arborists refer to large dead limbs as “widowmakers” for a reason

  • Dead branches weaken the tree's ability to withstand storms

  • According to OSHA, falling branches are a leading cause of tree-related injuries

3 Hollow trunk or soft bark

A hollow tree isn't always doomed, but when the trunk is spongy, bark is peeling, or fungus is growing at the base, it's time to take a closer look. Hollowing can be caused by internal decay—often from old wounds or fungal infection—and it may not show on the outside until the structure becomes compromised. If you tap the trunk and hear a drum-like echo, the tree may already be unstable.

  • Soft bark often signals fungal growth and internal rot

  • Hollow trees can still stand, but they must be assessed for structural support

  • Fungus at the base is often tied to root decay, which weakens anchoring strength

4 Visible root damage signs

Tree roots don't stay where they're planted—they search for water and nutrients, and in doing so, they often lift sidewalks, crack driveways, or wrap around plumbing. Roots damaged by excavation, foot traffic, or construction can cause stress to the tree and make it unstable. Exposed roots that are dry, brittle, or have been cut are less effective at anchoring the tree during storms.

  • More than 80% of tree stability comes from roots within the top 18 inches of soil

  • Trees with damaged roots often show delayed symptoms, like canopy thinning

  • Severed roots can lead to slow death or sudden toppling during high winds

5 Sudden leaf loss or discoloration

When a tree loses leaves quickly or shows signs of widespread yellowing, it's usually not seasonal—it's stress. This could point to disease, insect infestation, or root injury. If one side of the tree is bare while the other remains green, there's likely an issue underground or within the trunk itself.

  • Leaf drop outside of autumn may signal serious internal stress

  • Discoloration often results from root damage, nutrient loss, or vascular blockage

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture warns that early leaf drop can precede tree death by one season

6 Multiple trunks splitting apart

Some trees naturally develop more than one main trunk, but when these co-dominant trunks grow too close together, they can split under pressure. The area between them, called the “union,” is often weak—especially if there's no shared wood to hold them together. Cracks at the base of a dual trunk tree are an immediate safety concern.

  • Co-dominant trunks are a leading cause of tree failure in windstorms

  • The narrow angle between trunks increases bark inclusion, weakening the joint

  • Splitting is more common in mature trees with long horizontal limbs

7 Nearby utility line interference

Branches touching power lines create more than an eyesore—they can cause outages, sparks, or fires. Even trees that aren't touching lines yet but are growing quickly toward them need attention. A licensed tree service knows how to trim or remove trees safely without putting workers or property at risk.

  • Trees in contact with energized lines can cause electrocution during storms

  • Utility companies trim trees for clearance, but not necessarily for overall safety

  • The U.S. Department of Energy lists tree contact as a primary cause of power disruptions during storms

Safety Tree Service Indicators Key Takeaways

Tree hazards are often silent until it's too late. A slight lean, a patch of soft bark, or a set of brittle branches can each tell a story—and it's usually one worth listening to. Trained arborists, like the team at Slidell Tree Service, read these signs like a weather forecast, offering early warning before a tree becomes dangerous. Safety isn't just about removing risk—it's about understanding what that risk looks like before it becomes urgent.

  • Leaning trees with soil disruption signal root failure risks

  • Dead limbs and hollow trunks often result in unpredictable collapses

  • Trees growing too close to power lines require professional assessment, not pruning shears

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Service and Safety Risks

1. What's the biggest sign a tree might fall?

A sudden lean, especially after a storm or heavy rain, is a strong indicator. If the soil looks lifted or cracked near the trunk, it's likely the root system has shifted.

2. Can a tree survive after major root damage?

Some can, but it depends on how much of the root system was affected. A tree typically needs at least 60% of its roots intact to stay healthy and stable.

3. Is fungus at the base always a bad sign?

Not always, but it usually points to decay. Fungal growth often means the tree is breaking down dead or dying wood internally.

4. Why are co-dominant trunks so risky?

The joint where they meet can be structurally weak. Without proper pruning or support, they may split apart in high wind or under the weight of new growth.

5. Are all leaning trees dangerous?

No, but a lean that's new or worsening should be inspected. Trees that have grown at an angle since youth often adapt structurally, but changes in position are a red flag.