5 Signs Your Tree Might Be a Hazard (And What to Do About It!)

How Cumming, GA Homeowners Can Stay Safe During Fall and Hurricane Season:

As the leaves start to turn and fall storms roll through North Georgia, it’s easy to overlook a silent threat in your yard… your trees.
While trees add beauty, shade, and character to your property, they can also become serious hazards if not properly maintained or inspected, especially during Cumming’s windy fall and hurricane seasons.

At LS Trees, we specialize in keeping your home, property, and family safe year-round. From storm prep to emergency tree removal, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable issues can turn into costly or dangerous situations. Here are five clear signs your tree might be a hazard - and what you can do before the next storm hits.

1. 🌲 Leaning Tree - A Sudden Tilt Is a Red Flag

If a tree in your yard naturally leans, that’s often no cause for alarm. But if you suddenly notice a new lean, or if the angle of your tree seems to be increasing, it could be a warning sign of root instability or structural failure.

Common Causes of a Leaning Tree:

• High winds or heavy rain from recent Cumming storms or hurricanes

• Shifting soil or erosion after long wet seasons

• Root rot or fungus weakening the base

📌 Why It’s Dangerous:
A leaning tree puts immense strain on its root system. In a strong North Georgia wind, it can uproot completely, falling onto roofs, fences, or driveways, and in some cases, even onto your home.

🛠️ What to Do:
Contact a professional tree service right away. LS Trees can assess whether the tree can be stabilized through cabling or whether removal is the safest option. Quick action can mean the difference between a small fix and a major insurance claim.

2. 🌳 Cracks or Splits in the Trunk - Internal Structural Failure

Cracks in your tree’s trunk are not just cosmetic. They’re signs of internal weakness. You might notice:

• Long vertical splits running up the trunk

• Bark peeling away in strips

• Hollow spots forming near the base

📌 Why It’s Dangerous:
Trees with trunk splits often break apart during fall storms, especially when combined with heavy rain or strong wind gusts typical in Cumming’s hurricane season. A split near a main branch junction can cause the tree to tear in half without warning.

🛠️ What to Do:
Schedule a professional inspection immediately. In some cases, bracing or cabling can stabilize the structure, but if the damage compromises more than 30% of the trunk, removal is usually the safest route.

3. 🌿 Dead or Hanging Branches - Accidents Waiting to Happen

Dry, brittle branches with no leaves are easy to spot. They’re also one of the biggest hazards during fall and winter storms.

📌 Why It’s Dangerous:
Dead limbs are unstable and can break off with the slightest wind. They pose a risk not only to your property but also to people, vehicles, and pets below. In a storm, they can become high-speed projectiles.

🛠️ What to Do:
Professional tree trimming and pruning remove dead wood while keeping your trees healthy. LS Trees’ expert climbers use safety-first equipment to reach even the highest limbs. Regular trimming is one of the most effective ways to prevent storm damage before it happens.

4. 🍄 Fungal Growth - A Sign of Hidden Decay

If you see mushrooms or shelf-like fungi growing around the base of your tree or its roots, your tree could be decaying from the inside out.
Common fungi in North Georgia include bracket fungi, honey fungus, and root rot species.

📌 Why It’s Dangerous:
Fungi thrive on decomposing wood - meaning the inside of your tree could already be soft, hollow, or structurally unstable. These infections spread slowly but silently and can cause total collapse when high winds or rain stress the weakened trunk.

🛠️ What to Do:
Never ignore fungal growth. LS Trees provides full health assessments to identify the extent of internal decay. If detected early, treatment may be possible; if not, safe removal is the only way to protect nearby structures and trees.

5. 🌰 Root Damage - The Hidden Hazard Beneath Your Feet

Your tree’s roots are its foundation, and when they’re damaged, the tree becomes unstable even if it looks healthy on the surface.

Signs of Root Problems:

• Sudden leaning or shifting

• Wilting leaves despite normal watering

• Cracks in the soil or uplifted ground near the trunk

• Roots exposed by recent landscaping or construction

📌 Why It’s Dangerous:
Root systems anchor your tree and supply nutrients. When they’re compromised, the entire structure becomes unstable, and a tree with root damage can fail suddenly, often during or after Cumming’s heavy fall rains.

🛠️ What to Do:
If you suspect root issues, call LS Trees right away. Root damage isn’t visible from above ground and should always be evaluated by a trained professional. We can help determine whether your tree can recover or needs to be removed safely.

🌪️ Preparing for Fall and Hurricane Season in Cumming, GA

In Cumming, hurricane season often brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and saturated soil, all of which increase the risk of tree failure. Fall is the ideal time to schedule a tree safety inspection to get ahead of potential hazards.

Here’s what local homeowners can do to protect their property:

• Schedule seasonal inspections with LS Trees before the next major storm.

• Remove dead or weak branches before they fall.

• Prune trees to improve wind resistance and canopy balance.

• Ensure proper drainage around roots to prevent erosion.

• Keep emergency contact info for your local tree service handy.

🪵 Why Cumming Homeowners Choose LS Trees

At LS Trees, safety is our priority - but honesty is our promise. We never upsell unnecessary work and treat every property like our own. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, our team understands the unique challenges of maintaining trees in North Georgia’s climate.

We offer:
✅ Free on-site consultations
✅ Emergency storm response
✅ Tree risk assessments
✅ Full-service removals and trimming
✅ Licensed and insured professionals

You may be prepping for a hurricane, cleaning up after a storm, or assessing a potential hazard, we’re here to help you keep your property safe and your trees healthy.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay Proactive, Not Reactive

A quick inspection today could prevent a costly disaster tomorrow. Trees rarely fail without warning. The key is knowing what to look for and acting early.

If you notice cracks, leaning, or fungal growth, don’t wait until the next storm hits.
Branch out and book your free tree inspection with LS Trees today!

📞 Call (770) 616-6079 or visit lstreesllc.com
Mention this blog for $100 OFF your next tree service in Cumming, GA!