Key takeaways
- A lean that is new or getting worse is the biggest warning
- Soil heaving or exposed roots on one side suggests the roots are letting go
- Cracks, cavities and mushrooms point to decay inside
- Call an arborist before the next storm, not after
Lean, soil and roots
Many trees lean a little their whole lives. The sign to worry about is a lean that has changed, especially if soil has cracked or lifted at the base on the opposite side. That is the root plate starting to tip.
Exposed, damaged or cut roots, a mound of soil on one side and standing water around the trunk all raise the risk.
Trunk and crown warning signs
Look for deep vertical cracks, large cavities, bark missing in long strips and V-shaped forks with bark squeezed between the stems. Any of these can be a weak point.
Sudden dieback, a large dead top or a crown that is thinning rapidly also signal trouble.
What to do about it
Keep people, cars and play areas away from a tree you worry about. Take photos and call an arborist for a risk assessment, which rates the tree and what it could hit.
If the tree is touching a power line, stay far back and call the utility company right away.
Related services
Quick answers
Can a leaning tree be straightened?
Large trees cannot be straightened. Young trees can sometimes be staked, and an arborist can tell you if cabling or removal is better.
Is a tree with mushrooms always dangerous?
Not always, but mushrooms on the trunk or base can mean decay, so it deserves a look.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.