How Can I Tell if a Tree Is Dangerous?

What Are the Warning Signs of a Potentially Dangerous Tree?

There isn't one single sign that proves a tree is dangerous.

Instead, the condition of the entire tree and its surroundings need to be considered.

Potential warning signs can include:

• Large dead branches

• Hanging or partially broken branches

• Major cracks or splits

• Recently exposed or damaged roots

• Significant decay

• Large cavities

• Fungal fruiting bodies around the trunk or roots

• A sudden or increasing lean

• Movement around the root plate

• Major storm damage

• Large branches with visible structural defects

• Significant changes in the tree's appearance

The presence of one of these features doesn't automatically mean the tree needs removing, but it may justify professional assessment.

Are Dead Branches Dangerous?

They can be.

Dead branches gradually lose strength and may eventually detach from the tree.

The level of concern depends heavily on their size and location.

A small dead branch over an unused section of garden presents a very different situation from a large dead limb positioned above a driveway, pavement, patio or building.

Where significant deadwood is positioned above frequently used areas, professional deadwooding may be appropriate.

Should I Worry About Cracks in a Tree?

Large cracks deserve attention, particularly when they occur around major branch unions or within the main trunk.

Some trees naturally develop unusual shapes and features without presenting an immediate problem.

However, a newly formed crack, particularly following strong winds or heavy loading, may indicate that part of the tree has been damaged.

Cracks accompanied by movement, splitting or partially detached branches should be treated seriously.

Is a Leaning Tree Dangerous?

Not necessarily.

Many perfectly healthy trees grow naturally at an angle.

What matters more is whether the lean is longstanding or has recently changed.

A tree that has always leaned in one direction may simply have grown that way.

A tree that suddenly develops a noticeable lean, particularly following high winds or ground disturbance, can be more concerning.

Signs such as newly lifted soil, cracking around the base or movement of the root plate should not be ignored.

What Is Root Plate Movement?

The root plate is the area of roots and soil around the base of a tree.

During strong winds, a tree with compromised anchorage can sometimes move sufficiently to lift or crack the surrounding ground.

Warning signs can include:

• Fresh cracks in the soil

• Raised turf

• Movement around the base

• Newly exposed roots

• A sudden change in the angle of the tree

Significant root plate movement following a storm should be professionally assessed.

Does Fungus Mean a Tree Is Dangerous?

Not automatically.

Trees, fungi and decaying wood naturally interact, and the presence of fungal growth doesn't by itself prove that a tree is unsafe.

However, certain fungi can be associated with decay in roots, trunks or branches.

The location and type of fungal growth therefore matter.

If substantial fungal fruiting bodies suddenly appear around the base or trunk of a large tree, particularly alongside other signs of decline or decay, further assessment can be sensible.

Are Tree Cavities Dangerous?

Again, not necessarily.

Mature trees can survive for many years with cavities and areas of decay.

A hollow tree isn't automatically a dangerous tree.

The importance of a cavity depends on factors such as its size, position, surrounding wood, species, overall tree condition and the loads acting on that part of the tree.

Simply filling a cavity or removing a tree because it contains one isn't automatically the correct approach.

What About Hanging or Broken Branches?

Hanging branches can present an obvious concern.

Following storms, branches sometimes break without falling completely to the ground. They can remain suspended within neighbouring branches high in the canopy.

These are sometimes called hung-up branches.

They should be treated cautiously because their remaining support can be difficult to judge from ground level.

Avoid standing or working directly beneath a large suspended branch.

Can Storms Make Trees Dangerous?

Strong winds can expose existing weaknesses or cause new damage.

After severe weather, check larger trees from a safe position for obvious changes such as:

• Broken branches

• Hanging limbs

• Fresh splits

• Newly exposed roots

• Ground movement

• A new lean

• Large branches resting on neighbouring trees or structures

If something has clearly changed, it may be worth having the tree assessed before using the area beneath it normally.

Can a Healthy-Looking Tree Still Have Problems?

Yes.

Leaves alone don't tell the complete story of a tree's structural condition.

A tree can have a healthy green canopy while also containing a damaged branch, weak union or localised area of decay.

Equally, a tree with some dead branches isn't automatically structurally unsafe.

This is why tree assessment considers the complete tree rather than relying on one symptom.

Does a Dangerous Tree Always Need Felling?

No.

Finding a defect doesn't automatically mean the entire tree needs removing.

Depending on the circumstances, appropriate work might include:

• Deadwood removal

• Removing a damaged branch

• Selective pruning

• Crown reduction

• Crown raising

• Further inspection

• Monitoring the tree

• No immediate work

Felling may be appropriate where the condition of the tree and level of risk justify it, but good tree management should not automatically mean removing a tree simply because a defect has been identified.

When Should I Get a Tree Checked?

Consider seeking professional advice when you notice a significant change in a tree, particularly if it stands close to people or property.

Examples include:

• A new lean

• Major storm damage

• A substantial broken branch

• Large dead limbs

• Fresh cracks or splits

• Root movement

• Significant decay

• An unexplained major change in the canopy

Trees beside houses, roads, driveways and frequently used garden areas deserve particular attention because the consequences of branch or tree failure can be greater.

What Should I Do if a Tree Looks Immediately Dangerous?

Keep people, vehicles and pets away from the area where practical.

Do not stand beneath hanging branches or attempt to pull down substantial damaged limbs yourself.

If a tree or branch is affecting a public road, electricity infrastructure or another situation involving an immediate hazard, the appropriate authority or utility provider may also need to be contacted.

Professional Tree Assessment and Tree Surgery

Determining what work a tree requires isn't simply about finding something that looks unusual.

The tree's species, age, structure, condition, location and surrounding targets all need to be considered.

At Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services, we provide practical advice and professional tree work based on what the individual tree actually requires.

With 39 years of industry experience, we carry out tree surgery throughout Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Penkridge and surrounding areas.

Worried About a Tree in Your Garden?

If you've noticed a large dead branch, crack, sudden lean, storm damage or another significant change in a tree, don't ignore it.

Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services can assess the situation and advise on appropriate tree work.

We provide professional tree surgery throughout Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Penkridge and surrounding areas.