Most trees give you warning signs before they fail. Here's what to look for.
It's dead, or mostly dead
No leaves in the summer, or leaves on only part of the tree. Bark falling off in big pieces. Branches that snap like dry sticks.
It's leaning more than it used to
A tree that's always grown at a slight angle is usually fine. A tree that's started leaning, especially after a storm, is not.
There are cracks in the trunk
Deep cracks or splits in the trunk mean the tree is weak in that spot.
Mushrooms are growing at the base
Fungus at the base of the tree or on the roots can mean rot inside, where you can't see it.
It keeps dropping branches
A tree that drops dead branches every time the wind picks up is telling you something.
It's an ash tree that's dying
Emerald ash borer has killed a lot of ash trees in Northeast Ohio. Dead ash trees get brittle fast, and they can be dangerous to take down the longer they stand.
It's too close to the house
Even a healthy tree can be a problem if it's growing into the roof or right up against the foundation.
Not sure?
Text us a photo. We'll give you an honest opinion, even if the answer is that the tree is fine.