How to tell if a tree is dangerous

Driggers Tree Surgeons, LLC · October 2, 2026

Most trees are fine. But a few warning signs mean it's time to get a tree looked at, especially when it stands over a house, a driveway or a place where people spend time.

Seven warning signs

1. Dead or hanging limbs. Branches with no leaves in the growing season, or broken limbs caught in the canopy (sometimes called "widow-makers"), can fall without warning.
2. A new or worsening lean. Many trees grow with a lean and stay stable for decades. A lean that appears suddenly or gets worse, especially after a storm, is different.
3. Soil heaving or lifting roots. Cracked or raised soil on the side opposite the lean can mean the roots are letting go.
4. Cracks and splits. Deep cracks in the trunk, or a split where two big stems meet in a tight "V", are weak points.
5. Cavities and decay. Hollow spots, soft or crumbly wood, and missing bark can mean decay inside.
6. Mushrooms or fungus at the base. Fungus growing on the trunk or roots often points to rot you can't see.
7. Thinning crown. A canopy that dies back from the top or loses leaves early, year after year, can be a sign of decline.

What to do if you see one

• Keep people, pets and cars out from under the problem area.
• Don't climb the tree or cut limbs that are under tension.
• If the tree is touching or near a power line, stay back and call Georgia Power. Call 911 if a line is down.
• Take a few photos from different sides and text them to (678) 463-0051. We'll tell you what we see.

One sign alone doesn't always mean a tree has to come down. Sometimes pruning takes care of it. When removal is the safer call, here's how our tree removal works.

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