- Dead branches, especially large ones over roofs, driveways or play areas.
- Hanging or broken limbs caught in the canopy ("hangers").
- Cracks or splits in the trunk or at major branch unions.
- Weak V-shaped unions where two big stems meet with bark pinched between them.
- Fungus or mushrooms on the trunk or at the base, often a sign of internal decay.
- Cavities and soft wood: hollows, crumbly wood or sawdust-like material.
- A new or increasing lean, especially with cracked or heaving soil on one side.
- Root damage from trenching, grading, driveways or construction within the last few years.
- Thinning canopy and dieback at the top of the tree.
- Dead ash trees: ash killed by emerald ash borer becomes brittle quickly and is dangerous to fell.
- Bark falling off in large patches, exposing bare wood.
- Trees near lines or structures with any of the above: the higher the target, the lower the tolerance.
What to do
If a tree shows one or more of these signs and could hit something that matters, get it looked at. An ISA Certified Arborist consultation tells you whether pruning will fix it or whether it needs to come down. If it's touching a power line, call the utility first and stay clear.