12 Warning Signs Your Tree Is Becoming a Safety Hazard

Introduction

Trees are a vital part of any landscape, offering beauty, shade, and environmental value. However, when a tree starts to show signs of decline or structural instability, it can quickly shift from a valued asset to a serious safety hazard. For homeowners and landowners in Newark on Trent and across Nottingham, knowing what to look out for could help prevent costly damage—or worse.

At Newark on Trent Tree Surgeons, we regularly assess trees that pose risks to people, properties, and nearby structures. In this article, we highlight 12 clear warning signs that a tree on your property might be becoming dangerous. Spotting these issues early gives you time to act, helping to avoid sudden failures, storm-related damage, or injury.

Key Takeaways

• Trees can become unstable due to age, disease, weather, or poor structure
  
• Visible changes in bark, leaves, and trunk condition are early warning signs
  
• Sudden leaning, root problems, and dead branches need urgent attention
  
• Regular inspections and timely intervention reduce risk significantly
  

1. Large Dead Branches in the Canopy

Deadwood is one of the most obvious red flags. Large, brittle branches that no longer produce leaves can fall unexpectedly, especially during windy conditions. These branches often look grey, dry, or cracked.

Why it matters:

• Falling limbs pose a danger to people and vehicles below
  
• Indicates poor tree health or disease further up the tree
  

2. Sudden Leaning or Shifting Position

A tree that begins to lean noticeably—especially one that was previously upright—may have compromised root structure or internal decay. This is particularly concerning if the lean is accompanied by soil cracking or exposed roots on one side.

Signs to watch for:

• Recent lean without external cause
  
• Disturbed ground around the base
  
• Pulling or tension cracks near the trunk
  

3. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

Deep vertical or horizontal cracks in the main stem are indicators of internal weakness. Splits can develop slowly or appear suddenly after heavy winds or storms. These affect the tree’s structural integrity and may lead to failure under pressure.

Common issues include:

• Stress fractures from unbalanced crowns
  
• Splits at branch junctions
  
• Signs of decay around the crack
  

4. Root Damage or Fungal Growth at the Base

Roots are the anchor of any tree. If they’re compromised—either due to soil compaction, excavation, or disease—the tree may become unstable. Fungal fruiting bodies (such as brackets or mushrooms) at the base are often signs of hidden root rot.

Look out for:

• Soil lifting or disturbed roots
  
• Fungi growing on or near the trunk base
  
• Signs of instability during windy conditions
  

5. Excessive Leaf Loss Out of Season

Sudden or early leaf drop, especially in spring or summer, may point to internal stress or disease. If one section of the tree is shedding leaves faster than the rest, that area could be dying back.

Causes might include:

• Pest infestation
  
• Root dysfunction
  
• Vascular disease
  

6. Hollow Areas in the Trunk

Hollow trunks don’t automatically mean a tree is unsafe, but if a large percentage of the interior is gone, the structure may be significantly weakened. A tree that appears full and healthy can still fail unexpectedly if the core has decayed.

Warning signs:

• Sounding hollow when tapped
  
• Visible cavities or large entry holes
  
• Wildlife nesting in internal voids
  

7. Multiple Trunks with Weak Junctions

Trees with co-dominant stems—two main trunks growing from the same point—can be particularly prone to splitting. If the junction between the trunks is “V”-shaped rather than “U”-shaped, it’s more likely to fail under load.

Issues caused by:

• Poor natural growth patterns
  
• Added weight from unbalanced limbs
  
• Wind pressure or snow accumulation
  

8. Bark Peeling or Falling Away

Healthy trees maintain a consistent bark layer. If bark begins to peel, fall off in sheets, or expose bare wood underneath, it could indicate disease or a lack of nutrients reaching that area.

Often caused by:

• Fungal infection
  
• Frost damage
  
• Sudden trauma
  

9. Large Amounts of Sap or Resin Leaks

Excessive sap leaking from a tree, especially if it’s sticky or discoloured, could be a sign of boring insects or internal disease. This “bleeding” is often the tree’s response to internal pressure or damage.

Look for:

• Sticky patches on the bark
  
• Gumming around damaged areas
  
• Unusual smells or discolouration
  

10. Unusual or Sparse Leaf Growth

Uneven leaf coverage—where parts of the canopy are full while others are sparse—suggests that some branches are no longer functioning. Over time, these limbs can become brittle and susceptible to breakage.

Key indicators:

• Bare spots in summer
  
• Wilting or curling leaves
  
• Smaller-than-usual leaf size
  

11. Storm Damage or Wind Throw

After high winds, trees may suffer from twisted limbs, exposed roots, or damaged crowns. Even if the tree remains standing, hidden cracks or internal strain could have been introduced during the storm.

Post-storm checks should include:

• Leaning trunks or tilting
  
• Broken limbs caught in the canopy
  
• Damaged branches at stress points
  

12. Encroaching on Structures or Utility Lines

A tree might not be unhealthy, but if it’s growing too close to buildings, fences, or overhead cables, it can become a safety and maintenance issue. Tree surgery may be required to reduce its size or rebalance the canopy before it causes damage.

Risks include:

• Interference with power or phone lines
  
• Root spread affecting foundations or driveways
  
• Overhanging branches near roofs or chimneys
  

Conclusion

Tree hazards aren’t always obvious—many develop slowly and silently until they reach a tipping point. Knowing what to look for is the first step in protecting your property, your safety, and the long-term health of your landscape.

At Newark on Trent Tree Surgeons, we offer expert tree inspections and tailored advice for homes, estates, and commercial properties throughout Nottingham. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact our team today to book an assessment—and ensure your trees are safe, secure, and thriving.

Call us on: 01636 556 296
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