Trees are one of the most beautiful and valuable parts of your property, but they can also pose a serious risk if they’re not properly maintained. In Chesapeake, VA, where storms, hurricanes, and heavy winds are common, it’s especially important to keep an eye on the health and stability of the trees in your yard.
At Scott Lane’s Tree Service, we’ve been serving Chesapeake since 1987, and we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a seemingly healthy tree can become dangerous. Here are five warning signs your tree might be a hazard — and what you should do about it.
1. The Tree Is Leaning
A slight lean may be natural, but a sudden or worsening tilt is a major red flag. It could indicate root damage, soil instability, or internal rot. If your tree is leaning more than 15 degrees, it’s time to call in the pros.
What to do: Contact a certified tree removal expert to inspect the tree’s stability and root structure before it falls.
2. Large Dead or Hanging Branches
Dead limbs, especially in the upper canopy, can fall without warning and cause serious injury or property damage. If you see branches without leaves during the growing season, or hanging limbs after a storm, don’t ignore them.
What to do: Schedule professional tree trimming or pruning to remove dead wood safely.
3. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Visible cracks, seams, or splits in a tree’s trunk or main branches are signs of internal weakness. These could lead to trunk failure — especially under high winds or heavy rain.
What to do: Have a tree expert assess whether the tree can be braced or whether removal is necessary.
4. Fungi Growing Around the Base
Mushrooms or fungal growth near the roots or trunk base are signs of decay. Root rot compromises a tree’s structural integrity and often means the tree is dying from the inside out.
What to do: Get a professional diagnosis to determine the extent of the damage and whether the tree can be saved.
5. Trees Too Close to Structures or Power Lines
Even a healthy tree can be hazardous if it’s too close to your home, shed, fence, or power lines. As trees grow, branches can press against roofs or utility lines, creating fire hazards or structural damage.
What to do: Call a licensed tree service to evaluate the proximity risk and safely trim or remove problem trees.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Hazardous trees don’t just pose a risk to your property — they put your family and neighbors in danger too. At Scott Lane’s Tree Service, we offer expert tree inspections, precision trimming, and safe, fully insured tree removal.
We’ve been keeping Chesapeake safe for over 35 years — and we treat your property like it’s our own.
📞 Call us today at (757) 695-8733 for a free estimate or emergency tree service.