How to Spot a Hazard: Signs Your Tree May Be a Safety Risk
Your Safety Starts at the Roots
If a tree falls in the woods and no one’s around, that’s one thing. But if it falls near your home, car, or family, it’s another story. Tree hazards aren’t always obvious to the untrained eye, but the damage they cause can be devastating.
At LS Trees, we prioritize your safety first. That’s why we offer free assessments across Cumming, Dawsonville, Milton, and surrounding North Georgia communities. And we’ve seen firsthand how fast a peaceful-looking tree can become a serious threat.
Real Story: One Tree, Two Close Calls
Earlier this season, we visited a home in Roswell after the homeowner noticed something strange, a slow lean developing on a pine tree near the edge of their backyard. It had always been slightly tilted, but after several heavy storms, it was now visibly worse.
We came out and immediately spotted signs of structural stress: root upheaval, trunk cracks, and soft spots in the bark. Worse yet, the tree was leaning toward the client’s new back deck and hot tub.
Just days after removal, another storm rolled in. The client emailed us a week later saying, “Thank you for saving my deck, we had no idea how close we were to a disaster.”
This is why inspections matter. And this is how we help.
Top Warning Signs Your Tree May Be a Safety Risk
Many tree issues start below the surface, but here are key signs to look out for:
Visible Leaning
A tree that leans naturally can be okay, but if the lean worsens over time or shifts direction suddenly, it’s often a sign of compromised roots or an unstable base. Trees leaning more than 15 degrees should always be assessed by a professional.
Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Vertical or horizontal cracks in the bark, especially deep ones, can indicate internal decay. If the trunk looks like it’s splitting or has soft, spongey bark, it may be nearing the point of failure.
Mushrooms or Fungus at the Base
Fungal growth at the base of a tree or around the roots often signals rot. It may mean the tree’s structural integrity is compromised, even if the canopy looks healthy.
Dead or Hanging Limbs
Large limbs that no longer produce leaves (especially high up) pose a danger, particularly in storms. They can snap without warning and fall on driveways, fences, roofs, or people.
Shallow or Heaving Roots
Roots that rise above ground or appear to “heave” the soil are signs the tree may not be anchored well. This makes it more likely to uproot in strong winds.
Excessive Leaf Drop or Discoloration
If your tree is dropping leaves out of season or turning color early, that could be a sign of stress, disease, or dehydration. It might also mean the tree is diverting energy away from dying areas to try and survive.
Bark Peeling Off in Strips
When bark begins falling off in chunks or strips, it’s a red flag. Trees rely on bark to protect themselves, and without it, pests and rot can enter quickly.
Top Warning Signs Your Tree May Be a Safety Risk
Many tree issues start below the surface, but here are key signs to look out for:
Visible Leaning
A tree that leans naturally can be okay, but if the lean worsens over time or shifts direction suddenly, it’s often a sign of compromised roots or an unstable base. Trees leaning more than 15 degrees should always be assessed by a professional.
Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Vertical or horizontal cracks in the bark, especially deep ones, can indicate internal decay. If the trunk looks like it’s splitting or has soft, spongey bark, it may be nearing the point of failure.
Mushrooms or Fungus at the Base
Fungal growth at the base of a tree or around the roots often signals rot. It may mean the tree’s structural integrity is compromised, even if the canopy looks healthy.
Dead or Hanging Limbs
Large limbs that no longer produce leaves (especially high up) pose a danger, particularly in storms. They can snap without warning and fall on driveways, fences, roofs, or people.
Shallow or Heaving Roots
Roots that rise above ground or appear to “heave” the soil are signs the tree may not be anchored well. This makes it more likely to uproot in strong winds.
Excessive Leaf Drop or Discoloration
If your tree is dropping leaves out of season or turning color early, that could be a sign of stress, disease, or dehydration. It might also mean the tree is diverting energy away from dying areas to try and survive.
Bark Peeling Off in Strips
When bark begins falling off in chunks or strips, it’s a red flag. Trees rely on bark to protect themselves, and without it, pests and rot can enter quickly.
What to Do If You See Any of These Signs
First: don’t panic. Second: don’t try to handle it yourself.
Instead, call a licensed and insured tree expert like LS Trees. We’ll assess the issue, discuss your options, and provide an honest plan, whether that means trimming, bracing, or full removal.
We also work with property insurance adjusters if storm damage has already occurred.
When It’s Time to Act
In most cases, early intervention saves money, time, and stress. A simple trim today can prevent a roof repair tomorrow. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Be proactive, not reactive. If you notice a change in your tree, don’t wait.
Plan ahead for storm season. Mid-summer to fall brings heavy storms to North Georgia.
Consider future growth. A small limb now may be a large issue in five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a stressed tree and a hazardous one?
A: A stressed tree may still recover with care, but a hazardous tree poses a physical threat and often requires removal. We can help determine which is which.
Q: Do trees fall without warning?
A: Sometimes. But most give subtle signs first. Our team is trained to catch those early signs before disaster strikes.
Q: Can’t I just cut a leaning tree down myself?
A: We strongly recommend against DIY tree work, especially on compromised or leaning trees. It can be extremely dangerous without the right gear, training, and insurance.
Q: Can LS Trees help with emergency removals?
A: Yes! We offer emergency services for homeowners and business owners throughout North Georgia. Fast response, safe removal, and clean-up included.
Q: Will you help with storm prep even if I don’t think anything’s wrong?
A: Absolutely. We’re happy to do preventative walkthroughs. Sometimes peace of mind is the best service we can offer.
Why Tree Safety Is Our Priority
At LS Trees, we believe in honest work, expert care, and keeping our clients safe - no shortcuts, no pressure.
We’ve helped homeowners all across North Georgia navigate tree emergencies, identify risks early, and keep their properties beautiful and secure. And we’re ready to help you, too.
📍 Serving: Cumming • Dawsonville • Milton • Lake Lanier • Gainesville and beyond
📞 Call us today at (770) 616-6079 for a free risk assessment or emergency support.