No tree falls without a reason. The tricky part is that most of those reasons build up quietly for months or years before anything actually happens. If you have mature trees on your property in South Jersey, especially near your roofline, driveway, or the power lines running along your street, it is worth knowing what an unstable tree actually looks like before a storm makes the decision for you.
Here are seven warning signs our crew looks for on every property, and what you should do if you spot one.
1. A Noticeable Lean
A little bit of natural lean is normal for a lot of mature trees. A sudden lean, or one that seems to be getting worse over time, is a different story. This usually points to root damage or root failure happening below the surface, where you cannot see it. If a tree that has always stood straight suddenly looks tilted, treat that as a priority to have checked.
2. Cracks in the Trunk
Vertical cracks, seams, or splits running up the trunk are a sign the wood fibers holding the tree together are failing. Even a small crack can widen quickly during high winds. This is one of the clearer signs that a tree needs a professional look rather than a wait and see approach.
3. Mushrooms or Fungus at the Base
Fungal growth at the base of a tree, or mushrooms sprouting from the roots or lower trunk, often means internal decay is already underway. Wood that looks solid on the outside can be hollow or soft on the inside, which is exactly the kind of hidden weakness that leads to sudden failure.
4. Dead or Hanging Branches
Large dead limbs, sometimes called widow makers for good reason, can break free with no warning at all. If you notice branches with no leaves during the growing season, or limbs that look like they are barely attached, do not wait for the next windstorm to deal with them.
5. Hollow Sounding Trunk
Give the trunk a knock. A solid thud usually means solid wood. A hollow sounding echo can mean significant internal decay, even if the bark on the outside looks perfectly healthy. This is one of the easiest checks a homeowner can do, though it should always be followed up with a professional assessment if something sounds off.
6. Roots That Are Damaged, Cut, or Lifting
Construction work, trenching, storm damage, or even soil erosion can damage a tree’s root system without leaving any obvious signs above ground. If you notice soil lifting near the base of the tree, or roots that have been cut or exposed nearby, the tree’s stability may be compromised even if everything above ground still looks fine.
7. Storm Damage That Was Never Addressed
A tree that survived a storm is not necessarily a tree that came through unscathed. Cracked limbs, exposed wood, or a shifted root plate after a major wind event can all set up a future failure, sometimes months later. If a tree took a hit during a storm and nobody took a closer look afterward, now is a good time to get one.
What To Do If You Spot a Warning Sign
None of these signs mean a tree is guaranteed to fall tomorrow, but each one is a reason to get a professional opinion rather than guess. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, most tree failures involve a combination of these risk factors rather than just one, which is exactly why a trained eye matters so much here.
Our team offers tree removal for trees that are too far gone to save safely, along with structural pruning and trimming for trees that just need some extra support to stay healthy and stable. We serve homeowners throughout Williamstown and the surrounding South Jersey communities, and we always take the time to explain exactly what we are seeing and why.
Schedule a Tree Risk Assessment Today
If any of these seven signs sound familiar, do not wait for the next big storm to find out the hard way. Call Greg Smith Tree Service today at (856) 816-1475 for a professional assessment, and let our licensed and insured team help you keep your property safe.
