How to Spot Trouble Before It Strikes – Plus What to Do About It

Spring in Florida is a season of growth—but also of risk. With warmer temperatures and the onset of storm season, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your trees. While most homeowners focus on mowing lawns or planting flowers, many forget to assess one of the most potentially hazardous elements of their yard: their trees.

Dangerous trees aren’t always easy to spot—until it’s too late. A seemingly healthy tree can hide decay, instability, or structural weakness that could lead to catastrophic failure in a strong wind or heavy rain. The good news? You don’t have to be an expert to spot the early warning signs. With the right knowledge (and the right professional support), you can keep your property safe, your family protected, and your trees healthy.

In this post, we’ll walk you through five common signs your tree might be dangerous this spring, how to respond, and when it’s time to call in the professionals—like the certified team at All Your Way Tree Service.

1. Sudden or Severe Leaning

A slight lean is natural in many trees, especially if they’ve grown toward the light or away from obstacles. But if you notice a tree that’s recently started leaning—or one that’s significantly tilted—it could be a sign of root damage, poor anchoring, or shifting soil conditions.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• A lean greater than 15 degrees

• Exposed or lifted roots around the base

• Cracks in the soil near the trunk

• A tree that recently began leaning after a storm or heavy rains

Why It’s Dangerous:Leaning trees are unpredictable. A storm, gust of wind, or even heavy rain can tip the balance and send them toppling—potentially causing severe property damage or injury.

If you see a leaning tree, contact our Hazardous Tree Removal Service team immediately for an evaluation.

2. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk or Large Branches

Visible cracks or splits in the bark are a clear warning sign that your tree might be structurally compromised. These can occur from internal decay, storm damage, or the weight of overgrown limbs.

Check for:

• Deep vertical cracks in the trunk

• Split branches or visible separation between limbs

• Bark that is peeling away or missing entirely

Why It’s Dangerous:Cracks weaken the integrity of the tree, making it more likely to fail under stress. Split limbs may break off unexpectedly, especially during storms or high winds.

Our Certified Arborists can perform a structural evaluation to determine if the tree can be treated or needs to be removed.

3. Fungus, Rot, or Hollow Spots

Decay doesn’t always start on the outside. Many trees rot from the inside out, making them look fine on the surface—until a section fails. Mushrooms or conks (fungus) at the base or on the trunk are a major clue.

Other Signs Include:

• Hollow sounds when tapping the trunk

• Soft or spongy wood

• Visible cavities or holes

• Fungal growth near the root flare

Why It’s Dangerous:Internal decay can make even large, leafy trees structurally unsound. These trees are often “silent threats” that fail without warning—and the damage can be significant.

Schedule an Arborist Consultation today to inspect for hidden decay.

4. Dead or Hanging Branches (Especially in the Canopy)

Deadwood is brittle and unstable. Branches that appear dry, gray, or leafless while the rest of the tree is thriving may already be dead. These are especially risky if they hang over driveways, roofs, or walkways.

Warning Signs:

• Branches with no leaves during spring growth

• Hanging or broken limbs caught in the canopy

• Bark that’s falling off large branches

Why It’s Dangerous:Dead limbs can break off without warning and fall on people, pets, vehicles, or roofs. They’re also a sign of poor tree health, especially if multiple branches are dying off.

Our team provides safe, expert Hazardous Tree Removal and trimming services to prevent accidents before they happen.

5. Root Problems or Soil Disturbance

A tree’s roots are its foundation. If the roots are damaged, the tree is at risk—whether it looks healthy above the ground or not.

Look for:

• Heaving soil or exposed roots on one side

• Construction or digging that may have damaged roots

• Pooling water near the base of the tree

• Sparse foliage despite seasonal growth

Why It’s Dangerous:Root damage makes a tree unstable and more likely to fall. And because roots are underground, damage is often hidden—until the tree suddenly fails.

Don’t wait for signs of collapse. Let our ISA-Certified Arborists examine your trees and recommend a plan.

Understanding Tree Risk Assessment: How the Experts Evaluate Your Trees

When you call in a certified arborist, you're not just getting a visual inspection—you’re getting a professional Tree Risk Assessment (TRA). This process involves evaluating the likelihood of failure, potential targets, and consequences if a tree or branch fails.

Arborists consider factors like species, age, past damage, pruning history, and environmental conditions. They may also use tools like resistograph drills, sounding hammers, and air excavation to inspect roots and internal wood without damaging the tree.

According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), tree risk assessments help determine whether a tree needs to be pruned, braced, monitored—or removed entirely.

What to Do If You Spot One of These Signs

If you’ve noticed one or more of these red flags on your property, here’s what you should do next:

1. Stay clear of the area – Don’t attempt to climb or cut anything yourself.

2. Document the issue – Take photos if you plan to contact your insurance company.

3. Call All Your Way Tree Service – We’ll send a certified expert to assess the situation and walk you through your options.

Whether the solution is selective pruning, monitoring, or full removal, we’ll make sure it’s done safely and professionally.

Why Homeowners in Seffner Trust All Your Way Tree Service

• ISA-Certified ArboristsOur team is trained in tree biology, structural integrity, and safe removal practices.

• Hazardous Tree ExpertsFrom hurricanes to decaying giants, we know how to handle risky removals without putting your property at risk.

• Emergency Services Available 24/7Storm damage or urgent threats? We’re always on call.

• Local, Family-Owned & InsuredWe live and work in Seffner, and we treat your property like our own.

  
  

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

Your trees are one of your property’s greatest assets—or its biggest hidden danger. Spring is the time to assess, act, and protect. If you’ve noticed any of the five warning signs we covered, don’t delay.

Call All Your Way Tree Service today to schedule a free evaluation. Our certified team will give you clear answers and the peace of mind you need.

Explore our professional services:

Hazardous Tree Removal Service

Certified Arborist Services

📚 Verified Sources You Can Check

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

• Tree Risk Assessment Manual – ISA

• Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)

• University of Florida IFAS Extension