Trees are a vital part of any property—offering beauty, shade, and even increasing property value. But when trees are unhealthy, unstable, or damaged, they can pose serious risks to your home, landscape, and even personal safety. Many homeowners may not recognize when a tree issue requires the attention of a professional arborist. Spotting the signs early can make the difference between saving a tree and needing to remove it altogether.
At Pree’s Trees, our team of Certified Arborists has over 20 years of experience helping homeowners across Loudon, Knox, and Blount Counties manage tree health, safety, and maintenance. Here are 10 warning signs that your tree may need professional help—before it becomes a hazard.
Dead branches are often the most obvious sign that your tree is in trouble. These limbs may hang loosely, fall unexpectedly, or remain attached but show no signs of life. Dead branches not only signal a struggling tree but also pose a risk to people and property below.
If you notice large limbs that are brittle, leafless, or cracked, it's time to reach out for professional tree services. Dead branches can fall without warning and should be addressed immediately, especially if they hang over your home, driveway, or sidewalk.
While some trees develop minor surface cracks as they age, large or deep fissures in the trunk can indicate structural failure. Cracks are particularly dangerous when they appear near branch junctions or run vertically down the trunk. These weaknesses can lead to sudden breakage during wind, rain, or snow events.
A Certified Arborist can assess whether your tree can be supported through cabling or bracing—or if it poses too great a risk and needs removal.
A tree that suddenly starts to lean could be signaling a serious root or structural problem. While some trees grow at an angle naturally, a new or worsening lean may suggest instability underground. The tree may be slowly uprooting or suffering from internal decay.
It’s essential to have leaning trees evaluated as soon as possible. A fall could cause major damage to structures or utilities, especially during storms.
The presence of mushrooms, shelf fungus, or other fungal growth at the base of your tree is often a sign of internal decay. Fungi feed on dead wood, and their presence usually means rot is occurring inside the trunk or roots.
If you see fungal growth, it's a good idea to contact a professional for inspection. Not all fungi are cause for alarm, but some are red flags that your tree may be dying from the inside out.
Healthy trees typically have a full canopy of vibrant leaves during growing season. If you notice that one side of your tree is bare, the leaves are yellowing out of season, or the overall canopy looks sparse and unhealthy, this could signal root damage, disease, or pest issues.
Tree health begins below the surface. Discoloration and thinning foliage are often early indicators that the roots aren’t functioning properly—and that professional treatment is needed.
If you constantly find twigs, branches, or bark pieces littering your yard, your tree may be slowly deteriorating. Shedding an abnormal amount of debris suggests internal stress or disease that’s weakening the tree’s structure.
Routine tree pruning and maintenance can improve tree health and reduce risks—but only if caught early. Ignoring these signs can lead to large-scale damage later.
Wood-boring insects like emerald ash borers, bark beetles, and carpenter ants can severely damage a tree's internal structure. Common signs of infestation include tiny exit holes in the bark, sawdust at the base, or increased woodpecker activity.
If you suspect pests are present, don’t wait. Our team is licensed to provide tree disease and insect treatment, which can often save a tree if caught early.
Cankers are open wounds or sunken areas in the bark caused by bacteria, fungi, or physical damage. These spots can become entry points for further disease and compromise the tree’s immune system.
A professional inspection can determine the cause and recommend treatment options, such as targeted pruning or topical solutions, to halt further spread and restore the tree's health.
Root damage is often invisible—but it’s a silent killer. Symptoms may include exposed roots, soft soil around the base, or a tree that suddenly starts to decline after nearby construction. Compacted soil from heavy machinery or foot traffic can suffocate roots and reduce water uptake.
Aeration and root excavation can relieve this stress and allow roots to breathe again. If your tree is in a high-traffic area or has experienced recent landscaping work, it’s worth scheduling an arborist visit.
East Tennessee is no stranger to strong winds, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. After a major weather event, check your trees for broken branches, split trunks, or leaning sections. Even if damage isn’t immediately visible, it can worsen over time.
Our team at Pree’s Trees is trained in storm damage cleanup and emergency tree removal. We’ll help you assess the situation and determine the safest, most cost-effective way to protect your home and landscape.
Ignoring signs of distress in your trees doesn’t just put the tree at risk—it endangers your home, vehicles, and loved ones. Trees can fall without warning, cause property damage, and become liabilities when left unmanaged.
By working with Certified Arborists, you can prevent these problems before they start. At Pree’s Trees, we’re committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions about their trees. From assessments and pruning to disease treatment and removals, we offer a full range of professional tree services designed to keep your trees safe and healthy.
Not sure whether your tree needs help? Don’t take the risk.
We proudly serve Loudon, Knox, and Blount Counties with expert care, state-of-the-art equipment, and decades of experience. Our inspections are thorough, educational, and often preventative—saving you from bigger expenses down the road.
Reach out to us today via our contact page to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to protect your property and preserve the beauty of your landscape.
Pree’s Trees—Protecting Your Property, One Tree at a Time.