The trees on your property are essential because they provide shade, give your home nice curb appeal, and sometimes produce fruit and nuts. If neglected, however, trees can pose a safety hazard on your property. Recognizing the warning signs that a tree needs trimming or pruning can prevent damage to your home and help ensure that your trees remain healthy year-round.

Dead or Dying Branches

Dead and dying branches are among the most obvious signs that your tree needs to be pruned. Due to water-saturated ground, these can fall during storms and high winds, causing massive damage to your home, vehicles, or yard. Regularly checking for discoloration and brittle branches can help you avoid potential emergencies.

Overgrown Branches Near Power Lines

Trees that are growing too close to power lines are hazardous. Overgrown branches may eventually cause power outages or even initiate fires. If you find some branches touching utility lines, it’s definitely time to get a professional tree service involved to safely trim your branches. You can trust that a tree care specialist will take extra precautions around any electrical systems.

Unusual Tree Leaning

When a tree suddenly starts leaning or tilting more than usual, it signals root damage or structural instability. This is a serious warning that the tree may fall, particularly during high winds.

Excessive Leaf Loss or Discoloration

Shedding leaves is natural in a tree’s life cycle, but if it happens excessively and at the wrong seasons, it may be a symptom of a possible disease. Also, a change in color at odd seasons might not be a good sign. Most of the time, tree health problems show their symptoms on the leaves.

Fungal Growth Around the Trunk

Fungi growing around the base of your tree, like mushrooms, are a common indication of the tree’s decay. Internal rot may weaken the tree, putting it at a greater risk of falling. If you notice some fungal growth, it’s a good idea to get the tree inspected by a professional.

Cracks in the Trunk

If the trunk has large cracks or splits, this indicates a more structural problem. These problems make the tree unstable and more prone to falling during bad weather conditions.

If you are concerned for the health or safety of your trees, taking care of these warning signs as soon as possible will benefit you. For professional tree trimming and pruning, contact our team at South Coast Outdoor Services in Mobile, AL, to schedule an appointment.