How Can I Tell if a Tree Is Unsafe?

What Are the Main Warning Signs of an Unsafe Tree?

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

Instead, look for changes or defects such as:

• Large dead branches

• Hanging or broken branches

• New cracks or splits

• Significant cavities

• Areas of decay

• A sudden change in lean

• Lifted or moving roots

• Freshly cracked soil around the base

• Major storm damage

• Large branch failures

• Significant damage to the trunk

• Unusual changes in the crown

The importance of each feature depends on the individual tree and its surroundings.

Does Deadwood Make a Tree Dangerous?

Not automatically.

Dead branches are a natural feature of many mature trees.

Small dead twigs in the crown may present little concern.

Large dead branches positioned above houses, driveways, roads, footpaths or regularly used gardens require more attention because of the consequences if they fall.

Where appropriate, deadwooding can remove selected dead branches while retaining the tree.

What Is Deadwooding?

Deadwooding is the removal of dead branches from a tree's crown.

It may be carried out to reduce the risk of falling branches, particularly where people or property are located underneath.

It doesn't necessarily involve removing every tiny dead twig.

The size, position and potential consequences of falling material should be considered when deciding what work is appropriate.

Are Broken Branches Dangerous?

They can be.

A branch that has completely fallen to the ground is obvious.

A partially broken branch can be much more difficult to judge.

It may remain suspended in the crown or caught against neighbouring branches.

These are sometimes referred to as hanging or hung-up branches.

Avoid standing underneath them.

What Should I Do if a Branch Is Hanging in the Tree?

Keep people and pets away from the area underneath.

Don't assume a hanging branch is secure because it hasn't fallen yet.

It may be supported by surprisingly small branches or remain partially attached by torn fibres.

Professional removal may be required, particularly where the branch is large or high in the crown.

Are Cracks in a Tree Trunk Dangerous?

Some cracks can be significant.

A minor surface feature is very different from a fresh structural crack extending through a major stem or branch union.

Pay particular attention to:

• New cracks

• Cracks that appear to be widening

• Splits between major stems

• Cracks associated with movement

• Cracks following a storm

• Cracks accompanied by decay

Large structural cracks should be professionally assessed.

What Does a Split Between Two Tree Stems Mean?

Trees sometimes develop two or more major stems from the same union.

The strength of these unions varies considerably.

A developing split between large stems can indicate structural movement or failure.

This can be particularly important where both stems are large and could strike property or frequently used areas.

Avoid attempting to cable, strap or otherwise repair a large split tree yourself.

Are Cavities in Trees Dangerous?

Not necessarily.

Trees can survive for many years with cavities and internal hollowing.

A hollow tree isn't automatically a dangerous tree.

Trees are capable of adding new wood around damaged areas and adapting structurally over time.

What matters is the amount and position of remaining sound wood, the extent of decay, tree species, loading and surrounding targets.

A cavity should therefore be assessed rather than treated as automatic justification for removal.

What Does Decay Look Like?

Decay isn't always obvious from outside.

Possible indicators can include:

• Soft or crumbling wood

• Cavities

• Hollow areas

• Dead bark

• Old wounds

• Fungal fruiting bodies

• Areas of discoloured or degraded wood

However, identifying the significance of decay can require professional knowledge.

The presence of decay doesn't automatically mean immediate failure.

Do Mushrooms Around a Tree Mean It Is Dangerous?

Not necessarily.

Fungi play an important role in natural ecosystems, and different fungi interact with trees in very different ways.

Some feed mainly on dead material.

Others can be associated with decay of roots, stems or branches.

Correct identification matters.

If fungal fruiting bodies repeatedly appear directly from the trunk, buttress roots or around the base of a mature tree, it can be worth having the tree assessed.

Is a Leaning Tree Unsafe?

Not simply because it leans.

Many trees grow naturally at an angle and remain stable for decades.

A new lean is more concerning.

If a tree has recently changed position, particularly after strong winds, inspect from a safe distance for signs such as:

• Lifted soil

• Fresh cracks around the base

• Exposed roots

• Root plate movement

• A noticeable change in trunk angle

These can indicate movement within the root system.

What Does Root Plate Movement Look Like?

The root plate consists of the structural roots and surrounding soil that help anchor the tree.

When a tree begins uprooting, you may see:

• Ground lifting on one side

• Fresh soil cracking

• Roots pulling from the ground

• A mound developing around the base

• The whole tree changing angle

Significant root plate movement should be taken seriously.

Can Damaged Roots Make a Tree Unsafe?

Potentially.

Tree roots provide important structural support.

Damage can result from:

• Excavation

• Trenches

• Building work

• Driveways

• Utility installation

• Soil compaction

• Changes in ground level

• Mechanical damage

Severing important structural roots can affect tree stability.

If substantial groundworks have taken place close to a mature tree, professional advice may be appropriate.

Can a Tree Look Healthy but Still Have Structural Problems?

Yes.

A full green crown doesn't necessarily prove that every part of the tree is structurally sound.

A tree can continue producing healthy foliage while having defects elsewhere.

Likewise, a sparse crown doesn't automatically mean structural failure is imminent.

Tree health and tree structural condition are related but aren't exactly the same thing.

Is a Tree With No Leaves Dead?

Not necessarily.

Deciduous trees naturally lose their leaves during autumn and winter.

Even during the growing season, lack of foliage can have several possible causes.

Species, time of year, weather, drought, disease and other stresses need considering.

Don't remove a tree simply because it appears leafless without establishing whether it is actually dead.

Is a Dead Tree Dangerous?

Dead trees gradually lose structural strength as decay progresses.

The level of concern depends heavily on location.

A dead tree standing in an inaccessible woodland area is very different from a dead tree beside a house, road, school, driveway or busy footpath.

Where people or property could be affected, professional assessment is sensible.

Are Falling Twigs a Warning Sign?

Small twigs naturally fall from trees.

An occasional small twig doesn't necessarily indicate a serious problem.

Repeated loss of substantial branches, however, deserves more attention.

If a tree has recently suffered several significant failures, the remaining structure should be considered.

What About Large Branches Over My House?

A branch extending over a building isn't automatically unsafe.

Healthy trees routinely grow above houses, gardens, roads and other structures.

The important questions concern the branch's:

• Condition

• Attachment

• Size

• Structure

• Previous failures

• Presence of decay or cracks

Unnecessary pruning simply because a branch crosses a property isn't always beneficial to the tree.

Can Storm Damage Make a Tree Unsafe?

Yes.

Strong winds can cause:

• Broken branches

• Split stems

• Torn unions

• Crown damage

• Root movement

• Partial uprooting

• Complete tree failure

Some storm-damaged trees can be retained with appropriate pruning.

Others suffer more serious structural damage.

The extent of damage needs assessing before deciding what work is required.

Should I Inspect My Trees After a Storm?

A simple visual check from a safe position is sensible after severe weather.

Look for obvious changes such as:

• Newly broken branches

• Hanging limbs

• Fresh cracks

• A changed lean

• Lifted soil

• Fallen branches

• Damage to the main stem

Don't stand underneath damaged branches or climb the tree to investigate.

Should I Inspect a Tree During Strong Winds?

No.

If you're already concerned about a tree, don't stand beneath it during high winds to watch what happens.

Branches can fail without warning.

Wait until conditions have settled and inspect from a safe position.

Does an Unsafe Tree Always Need Removing?

No.

Depending on the defect, suitable management might include:

• Removing a broken branch

• Deadwooding

• Corrective pruning

• Crown reduction

• Crown thinning where appropriate

• Crown raising

• Monitoring

• Tree removal where necessary

The objective should be appropriate management, not automatically removing every tree that develops a defect.

When Might Tree Removal Be Necessary?

Removal may be appropriate when defects are sufficiently serious that retaining the tree is no longer reasonable.

Examples can include:

• Severe root failure

• Partial uprooting

• Major structural cracking

• Serious decay affecting stability

• Extensive storm damage

• A dead tree presenting an unacceptable risk

• Major structural failure that cannot reasonably be managed through pruning

Every situation should be considered individually.

Can Crown Reduction Make a Tree Safer?

In appropriate circumstances, crown reduction can reduce branch length and leverage.

It may form part of the management of certain structural issues.

However, it isn't a universal solution.

The pruning should address a specific reason and be appropriate for the tree species, condition and structure.

Should I Take Photographs Before Calling a Tree Surgeon?

Yes.

Photographs can be extremely useful.

Where it is safe to do so, photograph:

• The whole tree

• The crown

• Any broken branches

• Cracks or splits

• The trunk

• The base and surrounding soil

• The tree in relation to nearby buildings

Don't put yourself underneath unstable branches to get a photograph.

What Should I Do if I Think a Tree Is About to Fall?

Keep people and pets away from the potential fall area.

Avoid parking vehicles nearby.

Don't attempt to climb or cut an unstable tree yourself.

Where there appears to be an immediate danger involving a public highway, overhead services or other public infrastructure, the appropriate authority or utility provider may also need to be contacted urgently.

Dragonfly Tree Assessment and Tree Surgery

Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services provides professional Tree Surgery throughout our service areas.

Depending on the individual tree, work may include:

• Deadwooding

• Broken branch removal

• Storm damage work

• Crown raising

• Crown thinning

• Crown reduction

• Corrective pruning

• Tree removal where necessary

The appropriate solution depends on what is actually wrong with the tree.

39 Years of Industry Experience

Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services brings 39 years of industry experience to tree and garden work.

Experience is particularly important when looking at potentially unsafe trees because visible defects aren't always as simple as they appear.

A hollow doesn't automatically mean removal.

A lean doesn't automatically mean danger.

And one broken branch doesn't necessarily mean the entire tree has failed.

The condition and circumstances need to be considered together.

Tree Surgery in Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and Penkridge

Dragonfly provides professional tree work throughout:

• Cannock

• Lichfield

• Rugeley

• Penkridge

We also cover many surrounding areas.

If you've noticed something concerning about a tree, contact us and explain what you've seen.

Photographs taken safely from ground level can help us understand the situation.

Worried That a Tree May Be Unsafe?

Don't panic simply because you've spotted a cavity, dead branch or lean — but don't ignore significant new changes either.

Particular attention should be given to new cracks, large hanging branches, sudden leaning, root movement, major storm damage and significant structural failure.

Dragonfly Tree & Garden Services provides professional tree surgery throughout Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Penkridge and surrounding areas.

Contact us if you're concerned about the condition of a tree and need advice on the appropriate next step.