7 Warning Signs a Tree Is About to Fall on Your Property

Don't Ignore These Red Flags — Your Safety Could Depend on It

A falling tree can cause catastrophic damage to your home, vehicles, power lines, and — most importantly — put your family at risk. The good news is that trees rarely fall without warning. Here are seven signs every Minnesota homeowner should watch for.

1. Sudden Lean

What it looks like: The tree has shifted noticeably from its previous position, often after a storm or heavy rain. You may notice the soil lifting on one side of the base.

How serious is it? Very. A sudden lean — as opposed to a tree that has always grown at an angle — indicates root failure or soil instability. A gradual, natural lean that a tree grew into is far less concerning.

What to do: Keep people and vehicles away from the fall zone. Call for an emergency tree service assessment immediately.

2. Exposed or Heaving Roots

What it looks like: Roots that were previously underground are now visible. The soil around the base appears raised, cracked, or disturbed.

How serious is it? High. Exposed roots mean the tree's anchor system is compromised. This is especially dangerous in Minnesota, where freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate root heaving.

What to do: Have a certified arborist perform a tree health and risk assessment as soon as possible.

3. Cracks in the Trunk

What it looks like: Deep splits or cracks running vertically along the trunk, sometimes exposing inner wood.

How serious is it? Depends on depth and number. A single shallow crack may be manageable. Multiple deep cracks — or a crack that goes through the trunk — are structural failures waiting to happen.

What to do: Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Get a professional assessment to determine if the tree can be stabilized or needs to come down.

4. Dead Branches on One Side (Asymmetric Canopy)

What it looks like: One side of the tree's canopy is full and healthy while the other side has bare, brittle, or dead branches. The tree may look lopsided.

How serious is it? Moderate to high. An unbalanced canopy creates uneven weight distribution, making the tree more likely to fall in the direction of the heavier side during wind or ice storms.

What to do: Schedule a risk assessment. Selective pruning may help in some cases, but severe imbalance may require removal.

5. Mushrooms or Fungal Conks at the Base

What it looks like: Mushrooms, shelf-like fungal growths (conks), or soft, spongy wood at the base of the tree or on the lower trunk.

How serious is it? Very serious. Fungi feed on decaying wood. Their presence at the base typically indicates significant internal rot that you cannot see from outside. The tree may look fine above but be structurally hollow at its most critical point.

What to do: Call a certified arborist. This often warrants prompt removal, especially if the tree is near your home or a high-traffic area.

6. Cavities or Hollow Trunk

What it looks like: Visible holes, openings, or hollow-sounding areas when you knock on the trunk. Animals nesting inside the trunk are another indicator.

How serious is it? High. A tree can survive with some internal decay, but once the hollow area exceeds roughly one-third of the trunk diameter, structural integrity drops dramatically.

What to do: Get a professional evaluation. An arborist can assess how much sound wood remains and whether the tree is still safe.

7. Soil Heaving or Cracking Around the Base

What it looks like: The ground around the tree's base is cracked, raised, or appears to be pulling away from the trunk. You might notice a gap between the soil and the tree on one side.

How serious is it? Very serious. This indicates the root plate is shifting, which often precedes a complete uprooting — especially during Minnesota's spring thaw when saturated soils lose stability.

What to do: Treat this as an emergency. Clear the area and call for immediate assessment.

Multiple Warning Signs = Immediate Action

Any single sign on this list warrants attention. But if you're seeing two or more of these warning signs on the same tree, don't wait. The risk of failure increases significantly when multiple structural problems are present.

Protect Your Property and Your Family

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, TreeTec is here to help. Our ISA Certified Arborist provides thorough risk assessments and, when needed, safe emergency tree removal for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro. Contact us today — before the next storm makes the decision for you.