Trees are some of the best things about owning property in North Georgia. They provide shade on those brutal summer afternoons, clean the air we breathe, and add real value to your home. When they’re healthy, you barely think about them. But when something goes wrong, it can happen faster than you’d expect.
The good news? Trees usually give you warning signs before things get serious. You just need to know what to look for.
Here are five clear indicators that your tree might be in trouble—and what you can do to stay safe and potentially save it.
1. Leaf Loss or Discoloration Out of Season
It’s normal for trees to shed leaves in the fall. What’s not normal is when your tree starts dropping leaves in June, or when the canopy looks patchy, yellow, or brown when it should be green and full.
What to look for:
- Leaves turning yellow or brown when other trees look healthy
- Sparse or uneven leaf coverage
- Early leaf drop, especially during hot or dry weather
What it could mean:
- Root damage from construction, pests, or compacted soil
- Fungal or bacterial infection
- Nutrient deficiencies or drought stress
Pro tip: If one side of the tree looks great and the other looks bare or scorched, there’s likely root or trunk damage on the affected side.
2. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Your tree’s trunk is its backbone. Deep cracks or splits can compromise the entire structure, making the tree vulnerable to breaking apart during storms or high winds—and we get plenty of those in Georgia.
Warning signs:
- Vertical cracks or deep splits in the bark
- Bark peeling away in large sections
- Splits that appeared after a storm, freeze, or lightning strike
What it could mean:
- The tree is structurally unstable
- There’s internal rot or decay you can’t see
- Past damage that never properly healed
Deep cracks also create entry points for insects and disease, which can speed up the tree’s decline.
3. Fungal Growth on the Trunk or Roots
Mushrooms growing at the base of your tree aren’t just quirky—they’re often a sign of trouble. Fungi feed on decaying wood, which means the tree may already be rotting from the inside out.
Common types to watch for:
- Shelf-like fungi growing horizontally out of the trunk
- Clusters of mushrooms around the base or roots
- Soft, spongy areas on the bark
What it indicates:
- Root rot or internal decay
- Compromised structural integrity
- A tree that may look fine on the outside but is hollow within
According to the USDA Forest Service, decay fungi are one of the leading causes of tree failure during storms. If you see mushrooms, don’t ignore them.
4. Dead or Hanging Branches
Look up into your tree’s canopy. If you see large branches without any leaves—especially when the rest of the tree is full and green—you’re looking at dead wood.
What to watch for:
- Brittle, gray branches that don’t bend
- Limbs that snap easily or fall during mild wind
- Branches with peeling bark or fungal spots
Why it matters:
Dead branches are dangerous. They can fall without warning and damage your home, your car, or worse—hurt someone. Even more concerning, they may signal that the tree is dying from the top down, which is often a sign of root failure or disease.
If more than a quarter of the tree’s canopy appears dead, the tree may not be worth saving.
5. Leaning or Shifting at the Base
A tree doesn’t have to topple over to be dangerous. If your tree has developed a noticeable lean—especially a new one—or if the soil around the base looks raised or cracked, you need to take it seriously.
Signs of trouble:
- A lean greater than 15 degrees (use a level or just eyeball it)
- Soil lifting or heaving on one side
- Exposed roots or soft, spongy ground near the trunk
What it means:
The tree may have lost its root anchorage due to rot, saturated soil, or recent storms. Root failure happens below ground where you can’t see it, but the results above ground can be catastrophic.
Emergency note: A leaning tree near your house, power lines, or driveway needs immediate attention.
What to Do If You Spot These Signs
Finding one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean your tree is doomed. In many cases, a professional can assess the damage and recommend a course of action—whether that’s pruning, cabling, treatment, or removal.
Steps to take:
Get a professional tree risk assessment.
A trained arborist can identify problems you can’t see, like internal decay or compromised roots.
Don’t wait.
Delaying action increases the risk of property damage, injury, or a much more expensive emergency removal down the line.
Understand your options.
Some trees can be stabilized with cabling, bracing, or targeted pruning. Others are too far gone and need to come down safely.
Plan ahead.
If removal is necessary, consider replanting with a species better suited to Georgia’s climate and your property’s conditions.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Ignoring a dying tree isn’t just risky—it’s expensive.
- Emergency tree removal after a storm typically costs 30–50% more than a scheduled removal.
- A falling limb can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, car, or landscaping.
- If a tree falls and injures someone, you could be held liable as the property owner.
It’s almost always cheaper and safer to address the problem before it becomes urgent.
Key Takeaways
- Watch for early warning signs—like leaf loss out of season, cracks in the trunk, or mushrooms growing at the base.
- Dead branches are a safety hazard and may indicate the tree is dying from the top down.
- Fungal growth signals internal decay—it’s not just cosmetic, it’s structural.
- A professional tree risk assessment can help you decide whether the tree can be saved or needs to be removed.
- Acting early saves money and prevents damage—emergency removals are far more expensive and dangerous.
Need Help Evaluating a Tree?
If you’re not sure about the health of a tree on your property, don’t guess. VMG Tree Care has been serving North Georgia since 1989 with expert evaluations, pruning, and safe tree removals. We’re fully insured, experienced, and available 24/7 for emergencies.
