When trees are healthy, they’re a beautiful part of your property. They give shade, boost curb appeal, and support local wildlife. But when a tree starts showing signs of decline or structural weakness, it can quickly turn from an asset into a danger. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to serious damage — even injury. If you live in Washington, NJ or nearby, here’s what you need to watch out for.
- The Tree is Leaning Suddenly or Severely
A tree with a natural lean may be stable for years, but if you notice a tree leaning more than usual — especially after a storm — it’s a red flag. Sudden leaning can mean the root system has been compromised. When roots lose their grip in the soil due to saturation, rot, or storm damage, the tree can tip with little warning. A tree that leans more than 15 degrees should be evaluated immediately. It’s not just an aesthetic issue; it’s a structural hazard.
The trunk is the backbone of the tree. If it’s cracked, the whole tree is in danger. Vertical splits or V-shaped cracks usually point to internal decay. This kind of damage weakens the tree’s core and increases the chances of failure during high winds. Sometimes these cracks are easy to miss because bark covers them, but if you see exposed wood or a seam running down the trunk, don’t ignore it. Internal stress or lightning strikes can also cause this type of damage.
Dead branches hanging up high — sometimes called “widow-makers” — are more than just unsightly. They can fall at any moment, especially in bad weather. If more than 25% of the canopy is dead or dying, that’s a clear sign the tree is under stress or beyond recovery. Deadwood is brittle and breaks easily, and the tree may not have the energy to recover. This is one of the most common signs that calls for urgent removal.
It’s possible for a tree to look fine on the outside but be completely hollow on the inside. Fungi, carpenter ants, and termites often signal internal decay. A hollow tree can still have leaves and look alive, but its structure is compromised. If more than one-third of the trunk is hollow, it should be removed. Tap the trunk gently with a rubber mallet — a hollow sound means trouble. Also, look for conks or mushrooms growing at the base — another sign of internal rot.
Healthy roots anchor the tree and provide nutrients. When roots are damaged, the tree becomes unstable. Construction projects, soil erosion, or flooding can all disturb or expose the root system. You might notice the soil lifting on one side or the roots pulling out of the ground. This often leads to a tree tipping over unexpectedly. If roots are visibly decaying, brittle, or covered in fungus, that tree is a ticking time bomb.
After a severe storm, trees often show signs of trauma. Broken limbs, stripped bark, or a torn canopy are clear signs the tree took a hit. Lightning strikes can travel down the trunk and kill the tree from the inside out, even if it doesn’t fall immediately. If your tree has taken a direct hit or shows major damage after high winds, have it inspected fast. Waiting could lead to unexpected collapse, especially during the next storm.
Insects like emerald ash borers, bark beetles, and carpenter ants love weak or dying trees. If you see sawdust at the base or tiny holes in the bark, pests may already be tunneling through. Fungal diseases like root rot, cankers, or blights also weaken the tree from the inside. Leaves turning brown out of season or falling early are clues that disease is spreading. Once pests or infections reach a certain point, the tree can’t be saved and becomes a safety threat.
Branches brushing against your house or roof can do more than make noise. Over time, they cause damage to shingles, siding, and windows. Trees growing into power lines are even more dangerous — they can spark fires or knock out electricity. In many areas, utility companies will remove these trees, but if it’s on your property, it’s your responsibility. Keep an eye on fast-growing species that may have outgrown their space.
Healthy bark protects the tree, just like skin protects your body. When bark starts falling off in large patches or peeling deeply, the tree may be in distress. This often happens when the inner cambium layer is dying. If you spot open wounds, sunken areas, or oozing sap, it’s time for action. Bark shedding from disease, mechanical injury, or environmental stress is not something to take lightly.
If a tree suddenly drops its leaves during the growing season or the crown is bare while the rest is full, it’s trying to tell you something. The crown is often the first area to show signs of decline. Trees prioritize life in the lower limbs when under stress. If the top is bare while the bottom is still green, the tree may be dying from the top down. This is often seen in trees affected by girdling roots or vascular disease.
When It’s Time to Act Fast
If you’ve spotted one or more of these warning signs, don’t wait. Trees in poor condition can fall with no warning, especially during high winds or heavy rain. A falling tree can damage homes, crush vehicles, or worse. Safety should always come first.
The good news? You don’t have to handle it alone. Professionals trained in emergency tree removal can quickly assess the risk, explain your options, and remove the tree safely — even in tight spaces or near buildings. Midstate Tree in Washington, NJ, offers 24/7 response, advanced equipment, and certified expertise to get the job done right.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Trees give us beauty and shade, but when one becomes unstable, it’s not something to ignore. Whether it’s sudden leaning, cracked trunks, or root damage, early action is always the safest route. A quick inspection from a certified arborist can save you stress — and maybe much more.
If you’re in Washington or nearby Warren and Hunterdon County, now’s a good time to schedule a professional evaluation. Catch the danger signs early, and let the experts take care of the rest.