Identifying Hazardous Trees

Our goal at Miller's Tree Service is to make sure the trees around you are healthy, and to remove any potentially dangerous trees that pose a threat to you and your property. Trees with structural defects that are at risk of falling and causing damage are called “high risk” or “hazardous” trees. While we can help you with removing a fallen tree, we'd much rather help before any damage is done.

While some signs can only be evaluated by a professional arborist, here are several ways you can identify if it's time to call Miller's Tree Service.

Dead or Dying Branches

Dead twigs, dead branches, and small, off-color leaves are good indicators that a tree is not healthy. Dead wood is brittle and won't flex in the wind. Even if the tree itself looks stable, think about large branches high above your home or driveway. What damage could they cause if they fell? A branch that breaks under high winds can cause serious damage to your roof, vehicle, or fence.

Cracks in the Trunk

A crack in a tree is one of the clearest signs of structural failure. This is especially true when multiple cracks are close to each other. The deeper a crack extends into the tree, the more dangerous the defect becomes. Cracks should not be ignored—prompt professional evaluation is strongly recommended.

Cavities and Fungal Growth

When a tree begins to decay internally, cavities can form and significantly reduce its structural integrity. The presence of mushrooms, shelf fungi (conks), or soft, crumbling wood are clear signs of internal rot. A tree can look healthy from the outside while being seriously compromised within.

Poor Form and Lean

Trees are meant to stand upright with an even canopy and minimal lean. If a tree is dramatically leaning—especially toward your home or a structure—its structural integrity may be compromised. A sudden lean is more concerning than one that has developed gradually, as it may indicate recent root failure.

Root and Soil Problems

Signs of trouble don't always appear above ground. Watch for soil heaving or cracking near the base of the tree, exposed roots, or a spongy feeling in the ground around the trunk. These can all indicate root decay or instability. In Tallahassee's clay-heavy soils, root rot from prolonged saturation is a common problem after heavy rain events.

Get a Professional Evaluation

It's possible a tree looks healthy from the outside but has serious problems within. Some species hide their condition better than others. Only a trained arborist can tell you with confidence whether the trees around your home are truly safe. If you're unsure, schedule a visit from one of our ISA Certified Arborists—we serve Tallahassee and the entire Big Bend area.

Schedule a tree inspection with Miller's Tree Service today.