5 Signs Your Tree Is a Hazard to Your Home

A hazardous tree shows warning signs before it fails, including dead branches, a new or worsening lean, cracks in the trunk, damaged roots, and dense overgrowth near a home or power line. Property owners in Snohomish and Skagit County should check for these signs regularly, especially before storm season.

1. Dead or Dying Branches

Bare limbs during the growing season, brittle bark that flakes off easily, or fungus growing on the trunk are all signs part or all of a tree has died. Dead wood doesn't bend in wind the way healthy branches do, which makes it far more likely to break and fall without warning.

2. A New or Worsening Lean

Some trees grow with a slight natural lean and stay stable for decades. A lean that's new, or one that's noticeably worse after a storm or heavy rain, often means the root system underneath is failing. This is one of the most serious warning signs, since a leaning tree can fail suddenly.

3. Cracks, Cavities, or Splitting in the Trunk

Deep cracks running vertically along the trunk, hollow sections, or visible splitting where large branches meet the trunk all weaken a tree's structural integrity. These issues are often not visible from a distance and are found during a closer inspection.

4. Damaged or Exposed Roots

Roots can be damaged by construction, trenching, heavy equipment, or even changes in grading near the base of a tree. Warning signs include roots visibly lifting the soil, sidewalk, or driveway, and soil that looks disturbed or sunken around the trunk. Root damage can make a tree unstable even when the rest of it looks healthy.

5. Growth Too Close to the Home or Power Lines

A tree doesn't have to be unhealthy to be a hazard. Branches that overhang a roof, touch power lines, or have grown close enough to contact the house during wind pose an ongoing risk, regardless of the tree's overall condition.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Not every tree with one of these signs needs to be removed. Many can be stabilized with trimming, cabling, or bracing if the issue is caught early. The safest step is a professional inspection to determine whether the tree can be saved or should be removed before it becomes a bigger problem.

Tree Top Tree Service has inspected and removed hazardous trees across Snohomish and Skagit County since 1987. Our licensed, bonded, and insured crew evaluates each tree honestly and only recommends removal when it's the safest option.

FAQ

How often should I check my trees for hazards?
A visual check once or twice a year, and especially before storm season, is a good habit for most property owners.

Can a hazardous tree always be saved?
Not always. Trees with severe root damage, extensive trunk decay, or significant lean are often beyond saving and should be removed for safety.

Is it expensive to have a tree inspected?
Tree Top Tree Service provides free estimates and inspections, so property owners can find out what a tree needs before committing to any work.

What should I do if I think a tree is about to fall?
Keep people and pets away from the area and contact a professional tree service immediately for an emergency evaluation.