By Stone Ridge Landscaping LLC — Emmaus, PA | May 2026
In 25 years of tree work in the Lehigh Valley, we have removed thousands of trees that failed suddenly — and in many cases, the warning signs were visible weeks or months before the tree came down. Knowing what to look for can protect your home, your family, and your neighbors.
Warning Signs Your Tree May Be Hazardous
Dead or Dying Branches at the Top
Dieback starting at the crown — called “top-down” or “stagheading” — is one of the clearest signals of a tree in decline. Dead branches at the top eventually fail and fall, and in advanced cases the entire tree is compromised.
Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
A crack that runs vertically through the trunk, especially one that opens and closes with temperature changes, indicates structural failure in progress. Trees with co-dominant stems (two trunks growing from one base) are particularly prone to splitting at the union.
Fungal Growth at the Base
Mushrooms, shelf fungi (conks), or bracket fungi growing at the base or roots of a tree are a sign of internal wood decay. The root system or the lower trunk may be far more compromised than the exterior suggests.
Leaning After a Storm
A tree that has developed a new lean — particularly one where the root plate is beginning to lift on one side — is in the process of uprooting. Do not wait on these. Once the lean is visible, the timeline to failure is measured in weeks or months, not years.
Root Damage or Soil Disturbance
Recent construction, trenching, grading, or paving near a tree can sever feeder roots and destabilize the root system without changing the appearance of the crown for 2 to 5 years. The tree may look healthy while the root structure has already been compromised.
Hollow Trunk
Some trees can survive for years with a hollow trunk — the outer shell of sapwood and bark does the structural work. But hollow trees are significantly more vulnerable to wind and ice loading. A visual inspection from the outside is not enough to assess internal decay.
What to Do If You Spot These Signs
Call a qualified tree service for a professional risk assessment. Not every tree with one of these symptoms needs to come down — an experienced arborist can help you understand the actual risk level and your options, which may include cabling, removal, or monitoring.
Stone Ridge Landscaping provides free hazard assessments for Lehigh Valley homeowners. If you are concerned about a tree on your property, call us before the next storm season.