7 Signs You May Have a Tree Concern on Your Property

Living near trees is one of the best parts of owning a home — shade, privacy, beauty, and wildlife habitat. But trees are also living structures that can fail, cause property damage, and create safety hazards if they’re diseased, unstable, or too close to your house. Below are seven clear signs to watch for, how to inspect for them, seasonal timing to be extra-alert, and practical prevention steps (tree-felling, tree-trimming, tree-limbing, skirting, crowning, stump grinding and more) so you can protect your family and your home.

1) Sudden or Increasing Lean

A tree that’s recently started leaning or is leaning more than it used to is a major red flag — especially if the lean is new after storms, soil saturation, or construction. Leaning can mean root failure or a compromised trunk. If the tree leans toward a home, driveway, or a neighbor’s property, treat it as urgent. Certified arborists use structured risk assessment forms to evaluate lean and failure potential. isa-arbor.com+1

2) Dead Branches, Dead Crown, or Sparse Canopy

Large dead limbs (often called “snags”) or a thinning, patchy crown are signs of disease, internal decay, or root stress. Dead wood is unpredictable and can fall without warning — a classic cause of “tree strikes” on roofs, cars, and people. Regular tree-trimming, limb removal, or crown work (pruning/crowning) reduces these hazards. Arbor Day Foundation+1

3) Trunk Damage: Cracks, Cavities, Mushrooms, or Rot

Hollowed trunks, cavities, visible decay, fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms) at the base, or large cracks/splits in the bark are strong physical indicators that a tree’s structural integrity is compromised. These defects often mean the wood structure is weakened and parts — or the whole tree — may fall. If you see these, get a professional inspection; many forestry guides and extensions detail specific defect types and what they indicate. US Forest Service+1

4) Root Problems and Soil Indicators

Roots are out of sight but not out of mind. Signs of root failure include heaving or cracked pavement near the trunk, visible root rot, or a mound of soil pulling away from the tree after wind events. Soil saturation after prolonged rainfall or poor drainage can also undermine root anchorage. If roots are affected, removal or careful tree-felling may be the safest option. US Forest Service+1

5) Newly Fallen Adjacent Trees or Recent Tree Failures Nearby

If neighboring trees have recently fallen or show signs of disease, it increases the risk to your trees — pests and pathogens can spread, and shared soil or root systems may be affected. A cluster of failing trees indicates a landscape-level problem that needs more than a single-tree fix. Consider a property-wide hazard tree survey. US Forest Service+1

6) Trees Overhanging Structures or Neighboring Property

When a tree on your lot overhangs a neighbor’s home or vice versa, you’re in a liability zone. If an overhanging tree or branch that’s obviously decayed falls on a neighbor’s property, the owner of the tree can be liable — unless the fall was caused by an uncontrollable act of nature. Document conditions and address overhangs proactively with pruning, limbing, or removal to avoid disputes. Better Homes & Gardens+1

7) Seasonal Timing — When to Watch Closely

• Late fall through early spring (leaf-off season): Decay, cracks, and dead branches are easier to spot without foliage. Storm damage is common when soils are saturated.

• Winter storm season: High winds, ice, and saturated soils increase tree-fall risk.

• Spring to early summer: Rapid leaf-out can expose poor structure (split crotches) and reveal deadwood.

• Wildfire season (where relevant): Remove ladder fuels and create defensible space—skirting (pruning the lower canopy 6–10 ft off the ground) and crown thinning can be lifesaving. Follow NFPA/defensible-space guidance in high-risk areas. FEMA+1

How to Inspect Your Land: a Simple Walkaround

1. Perimeter check: Walk your property edge-to-edge. Look for leaning, cracked trunks, mushrooms, and dead branches within striking distance of targets (house, driveway, play areas).

2. Base inspection: Check the root flare. Is soil or mulch pulled away? Any visible cavities? Evidence of rodent/pest damage?

3. Canopy scan: From a safe distance, scan for large dead limbs, heavy leaning, or crossed/weak branch unions. Binoculars help.

4. Neighbor context: Note trees on adjacent properties that hang over yours. Photograph concerning features and date photos.

5. When in doubt, don’t climb: Never attempt complex removal yourself — tree-felling and stump grinding are hazardous and require equipment and insurance. Use qualified pros. treesaregood.org+1

Preventative Actions (What You Can Do Now)

• Regular tree-trimming and tree-limbing: Remove deadwood and reduce weight on risky limbs. Professionals can safely perform crown thinning/crowning for stability.

• Skirting (pruning low branches): Creates defensible space and reduces ladder fuels in fire zones.

• Stump grinding after removal: Prevents tripping hazards, new shoots, and makes replanting easier. Use pros who follow best safety practices. Tree Care Industry Association, LLC.+1

• Professional risk assessment: Hire a certified arborist or forestry consultant to perform a structured tree risk assessment — they’ll document defects, targets, and recommend mitigation (monitoring, pruning, cabling, or removal). ISA and Forest Service forms are industry standards for assessments. isa-arbor.com+1

• Insurance check: Review your homeowners policy for tree-related coverage and removal limits. Understand what’s covered (storm damage) and what’s not (wear and tear, neglected trees). Keep records and photos in case you need to file a claim. State Farm+1

Final Word: Balance Risk vs. Value

Trees add value and beauty — but a tree with signs above that sits in “striking distance” of a structure is a potential liability. Small, early interventions (trimming, crown work, skirting) are almost always cheaper and safer than emergency tree-felling or repairing storm damage. When hazards are identified, hire insured, experienced tree care professionals who follow industry best practices for safety and stump grinding/removal.

For a reliable next step: photograph the issue, avoid using ladders or chainsaws yourself, and contact a certified arborist or your local extension/forestry office to arrange an inspection. Helpful resources to learn more: the International Society of Arboriculture, Arbor Day Foundation, USDA Forest Service, and your insurer’s homeowner-claims guidance.