Last week’s 60 mph wind gusts knocked trees down all over the county, leaving a trail of broken branches, uprooted trunks, and upset squirrels. Our arborists have been busy cleaning up the aftermath, reminding us all that when the wind howls, not every tree is ready to stand strong.
If you’ve ever read The Chronicles of Narnia, you might remember Mr. Beaver’s famous words about Aslan: “Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.”
That’s a pretty good way to think about trees, too. They aren’t necessarily safe—but they can be good. They provide shade, oxygen, beauty, and something to blame when the WiFi goes out during a storm. But every tree carries a certain level of risk, and the question every tree owner should ask is: Is my tree’s risk acceptable, or is it waiting for the next big wind to turn into an unplanned home remodeling project?
How to Tell If Your Tree Is a Disaster Waiting to Happen
The good news is that most trees are perfectly fine. The bad news? Some are basically holding a grudge against your house. Here’s what to look for:
1. The Leaning Tower of Timber
Some trees naturally lean a little, and that’s okay. The fancy term for this is phototropism. You’ve noticed it when your window tomato plant turns toward the sun (because who doesn’t like tomatoes?) But if your tree is leaning more than it used to—especially after a storm—it might be time to worry. A sudden lean or exposed roots at the base could mean the tree’s on its way down.
2. The Hollow Horror
A tree with a hollow trunk might look cool (great for haunted forests, not so much for your backyard). A little hollowing isn’t always a death sentence, but if a significant portion of the trunk is missing, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your local wood chipper. Armchair arborists debate on how much decay is too much. It depends on the type of decay, where it’s located, and how much load is placed above it. Some suggest a cavity up to 30% is ok but there’s really no generally accepted standard. Ultimately, if your tree looks like it belongs in a scene from Harry Potter, it’s time to get it checked out.
3. The Branches That Could End Your Homeowner’s Insurance
Dead branches hanging over your house, car, or power lines are nature’s way of playing “Will It Fall?”—and you don’t want to be part of the experiment. Large dead limbs need to go before they crash uninvited into your living room, like your cousin’s ‘life-changing business opportunity’ party.
4. Cracks, Splits, and Other ‘About to Break’ Signs
If your tree has cracks or splits, that’s like your check engine light coming on—it might not mean immediate disaster, but you don’t want to ignore it either. Just like that weird noise your car’s been making for three months, hoping it’ll fix itself is not a solid strategy. Cracks and splits weaken the tree’s structure, making it more likely to fail when the next big storm rolls in. And unlike your car, a tree doesn’t come with a warranty—just gravity and bad timing.
5. Mushrooms at the Base: Nature’s Rot Alarm
Fungi are great on pizza, not so great on your tree. Mushrooms growing at the base could mean internal decay, which makes the tree weaker than it looks. If your tree is producing more mushrooms than the local farmer’s market, it’s time for an inspection.
When in Doubt, Call in the Experts
If you’re staring at your tree, scratching your head, and wondering whether it’s a loyal guardian or a secret saboteur, don’t guess. An ISA certified arborist can assess the tree’s risk and will walk you through whether your tree’s risk is acceptable or not. Sometimes, a little pruning or cabling is all that’s needed. Other times… well, let’s just say it’s better to remove a tree before it crushes your prized garden gnome.
So before the next storm rolls in, take a walk around your yard and give your trees a once-over. Are they standing strong, or are they plotting against you? Because while trees might not be safe, they sure can be good—especially when properly cared for.
Stay safe, stay shady (in a good way), and may your trees be on your side!
Mike White is an ISA board certified master arborist and owner of Treemaster LLC. If you’re interested in learning more about tree related issues, you’ll find him to be moderately obsessed. You can reach him at mike@treemasterllc.com
