5 Tell-Tale Warning Signs of a Falling Tree 

Last Updated:  August 18, 2023
car crushed by fallen tree

As professional tree workers with over 45 years of combined experience, we've seen quite a few trees exhibiting the classic warning signs of a falling tree. We also regularly help folks determine which of their tree's branches need to be trimmed, and which ones can be left alone. Hint: it's not always obvious!

When it comes to trees, keeping your trees healthy and your property and family safe comes down to watching for a couple of simple warning signs.

The signs a tree are about to fall are:

  1. Weak portions of the tree
  2. Dead branches
  3. Fungi or odd growths
  4. Surfacing roots
  5. Excessive leaning

We often wish folks knew some of these signs a tree will fall before disaster strikes! In this article, we'll examine each of these warning signs and discuss the line between what's "no big deal" and what's downright dangerous.

The top 5 signs a tree is about to fall 

You should inspect your tree periodically to watch for warning signs that your tree is about to fall. One thing we impress on all of our customers is that it's a bad idea to wait until the tree falls on your yard.

There are 3 parts of a tree, the roots and soil, trunk, branches and leaves; and you should analyze each one. When you analyze each part there are specific signs to look for that will tell you if your tree might be in trouble.

1. Weak or hollow portions of the tree 

The trunk of the tree is one of the areas of the tree that has the most potential to cause disaster if its integrity fails - after all, it's not only the main structure of the tree, it's the heaviest and therefore causes the most havoc if it breaks.

Look for weak or hollow spots in the tree:

  • If the tree has cracks, it is typically an indicator that your tree is dying. Cracks in the trunk make the tree liable to fall as it is weaker against wind or other elements.
  • If the tree has soft or hollow spots, that can be an indicator that your tree may be sick and decaying. The likely cause of this is improper pruning. This situation can sometimes be salvageable with proper care. If you notice hollow spots you should check to see whether they are soft to the touch or if there is solid wood surrounding the cavity. If it is soft, it is likely that the tree is weakening. However, if there is solid wood around the hollow spot, it is not likely to break. You should consult with a tree specialist to determine if the hollow spots are safe.
  • If an area of the tree is missing bark, or an area of the tree has deep cracks in the bark, we call that a canker. These cankers are very similar to the weak spots discussed above: they are sore spots on the tree that are possibly dead or dying. If you notice this in your bark, the possibility of your tree splitting or breaking goes up.

2. Dead branches (or odd growth patterns in branches)

Keeping an eye on dead, diseased, or dying branches is very important to make sure your property remains safe. The danger of falling branches can be just as serious as worrying about the trunk of the tree itself.

Sometimes, if the tree is very damaged, it's hard to determine if portions of it are alive or if the whole tree is dead. If this is the case, see our full guide on how to know if a tree is fully dead.

Here are a few signs to keep an eye on:

  • If your branches are growing in tight V-shapes or growing too close together, this could mean that the fork is weak, which greatly increases their chances of falling.
  • If your tree has dead (or dying) branches, that could be an indicator of root rot. When the roots rot, the tree focuses all its nutrients and energy on trying to save the roots, making it unable to sustain the leaves and branches. This can lead to a whole tree falling, or simply a section of the tree falling.
  • If you notice that your leaves are yellow or brown during the wrong season, this could also be an indicator of root rot or fungal infection. We recommend that if you notice your leaves changing at odd times during the year, you should check other areas of your tree to determine if it has other damage or disease.

In some cases, it is possible to revive a dying tree. We recommend that you address dead branches as soon as possible to mitigate future headaches down the road.

3. Fungi or odd growths

Fungi, often inconspicuous but ecologically vital organisms, can serve as telltale signs of an impending tree fall. When a tree's structural integrity begins to deteriorate, it becomes more susceptible to fungal infestations.

Fungi are opportunistic organisms that thrive on decaying organic matter, and their presence on a tree can indicate that the wood is weakened and compromised. As the fungus infiltrates the inner layers of the tree, it accelerates the decomposition process, causing the wood to lose its strength and stability.

This weakening can manifest as soft spots, hollowed sections, or discolored patches on the tree's bark and wood.

Certain portions of a tree are more prone to developing fungal growth. Dead or dying branches, wounds, and cavities are common entry points for fungi, as they provide ideal environments for spore germination and growth. Fungi often establish themselves within these vulnerable areas, consuming the decaying matter and further weakening the tree's structural integrity.

Cracks, crevices, and areas where bark has been stripped away can also become breeding grounds for fungi, leading to rot that can compromise the tree's ability to support its weight. Vigilance in identifying fungal growth on these specific portions of a tree can serve as a valuable early-warning system, prompting timely action to prevent a potential tree fall and ensure the safety of the surrounding environment.

If you seeing fungus or mushrooms growing on the roots or the base of the tree, it may be a sign that your tree’s roots are decaying. Fungi usually grows from wounds in the roots, which begin reproducing from that wound, causing more harm. Once your tree develops a fungal infection, the tree it is likely that your tree may be compromised. We recommend that you consult with a local arborist to have the tree removed as soon as possible.

4. Surfacing roots

Trees with compromised roots are particularly susceptible to falling. The root systems and the soil are the most important part of the tree, as this is where the tree gets most of its nutrients and water.

Additionally, the roots are tasked with providing sufficient stabilization for the rest of the tree. The root zone and the soil are the foundation that allows a tree to grow big and tall.

The roots and soil could hold important signs your tree is going to fall: 

If you notice that your roots are rising, take note and consult a professional tree service in your area. Trees with exposed roots are often "injured" by people consistently stepping on the roots, or being aggravated by lawnmowers or other landscaping equipment. This damage from equipment or people may cause the roots to begin decaying. If the root does not heal quickly enough, it can also invite damaging pests like ants or fungi.

If you notice waterlogged roots, you'll want to take note of that as well. Waterlogged roots can come with a host of issues. One of them is that the roots begin to decay, which can affect the stability of the tree and leave the roots vulnerable to a fungal infection.

Lastly, if you notice cracked or raised soil, this means that your tree is beginning to fall over. This is a clear sign that you should contact a certified arborist to determine the best plan of action to either stabilize or remove the tree.

5. Excessive leaning

A leaning tree is considered dangerous once the angle of the tree exceeds 15 degrees. If you've got a tree that is approaching 15 degrees, or if the angle of the tree's lean is increasing over time, this is a warning sign.

Excessive leaning in a tree is a clear warning sign that the tree may be at risk of falling. Trees are naturally designed to grow vertically, with their roots providing stability and support. When a tree begins to lean significantly, it often indicates underlying issues that compromise its structural integrity.

There are a number of reasons a tree starts leaning. Tree lean can result from factors such as root damage, soil erosion, disease, or previous storms. As the tree's center of gravity shifts away from its base, the risk of it toppling over increases, especially during strong winds or other adverse weather conditions.

Assessing the danger posed by a leaning tree requires careful observation and evaluation. One key factor to consider is the angle of the lean. Also consider whether the tree is leaning on another tree, a house, or a power line. A tree leaning at a slight angle may not be an immediate cause for concern, but as the angle increases, so does the risk.

Additionally, inspect the tree's root system for signs of damage or exposure. If roots are exposed, severed, or visibly weakened, the tree's stability is compromised. Trunk integrity is another crucial aspect; look for visible cracks, bulges, or signs of decay, especially on the side opposite the lean.

Hollow cavities or rot within the trunk can significantly weaken the tree's ability to withstand external forces.

If you see signs a tree is going to fall, contact a tree service 

If you notice any of these tree falling warning signs, do a bottom-to-top analysis of your tree to determine what the cause might be and whether you need to take action to prevent the tree from falling.

If you're anywhere in the Dawsonville or north Georgia area, please reach out to us. We'd love to help you evaluate the safety of your trees to keep your property healthy and beautiful for years to come!

Tree Problems? No Problem!

Thank you for considering Leaf and Limb for all of your tree care needs. We look forward to working with you and helping to create a beautiful, healthy landscape for your home or business.

Get a Free Estimate Today!
chevron-down