How do I know if a tree is at risk of falling in a storm?

Look for multiple trunks of similar size, long limbs that extend well past the rest of the canopy, large dead branches over the house or driveway, cracks or hollows in the trunk, a lean that has gotten worse, or soil lifting near the base. Any one of these is worth a professional assessment before storm season, not after.

Can a leaning tree be saved, or does it need to come down?

A lean by itself isn't necessarily dangerous—some trees grow that way naturally, reaching for light. What matters is whether the lean is new or worsening, and whether it comes with other warning signs like lifted soil, exposed roots, or mushrooms near the base. An arborist can tell you whether the tree needs pruning, cabling, or removal.

Does construction near a tree really affect its stability months or years later?

Yes. Digging, grading, or heavy equipment traffic can compact soil or sever roots without any visible damage above ground. The tree may look fine for a season or two before the stress shows up as canopy dieback or reduced stability in high wind. A tree protection plan put in place before construction begins is the best way to avoid this.

Is it normal for a tree to have some dead branches?

Yes, trees regularly shed limbs they no longer need, and a few dead branches scattered through the canopy is not a red flag on its own. The concern is size and location—a large dead branch positioned over a house, driveway, or play area should be removed on your schedule rather than the storm's.

When is the best time to have trees pruned for storm resistance?

Ideally, before structural problems develop and well before a storm is in the forecast. Structural pruning is most effective on younger trees, but even mature trees with co-dominant trunks or overextended limbs can often be corrected with careful pruning. Waiting until a storm is approaching leaves no time to do the work safely or effectively.

Is Your Tree Ready? 6 Warning Signs to Check Before Storm Season

Most of the old oaks and tulip poplars shading Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary yards have already stood through Hurricane Fran, Hurricane Helene, and dozens of ordinary summer thunderstorms most of us have forgotten. A tree with sound structure and healthy roots is built to bend in the wind, not fail.

The trees that fail usually show telltale signs before they break or fall. Multiple trunks, long unbalanced limbs, a cracked trunk, a lean that's gotten worse—these are signs we can catch and correct long before a storm ever shows up on the radar. Here are six things to check on your own trees, and what to do about each one.

A tree with multiple trunks of similar size

1. Multiple Trunks

A tree with two or more trunks of similar size is more likely to split apart in high wind. This is because those trunks aren't attached to each other as strongly as a branch is attached to a trunk. To strengthen your tree, have the tree structurally pruned so there is a single primary trunk.

A long, heavy limb extending far beyond the rest of a tree's canopy

2. Long, Heavy Limbs

A limb that extends much farther than the rest of the canopy carries more weight and experiences greater leverage forces. These limbs can usually be shortened through careful pruning cuts rather than removed outright, correcting the imbalance while keeping the tree's overall shape.

3. Large Dead Branches

A few dead branches are normal. Trees are constantly shedding limbs they no longer need. But a large dead branch positioned over a house, driveway, or play area should come down before wind or ice brings it down on its schedule instead of yours.

4. Trunk Damage

Cracks, hollows, missing bark, or mushrooms growing on the trunk are all signs that a tree is under stress, often from compacted soil, root damage, or disease. Soil improvement, proper mulching, and an assessment from a qualified arborist can help address the underlying cause rather than just the symptom.

5. Leaning or Root Trouble

A leaning tree is often fine, but if it is starting to lean more, or if soil is visibly lifting near the roots, then the tree is becoming unstable. If you are concerned about a leaning tree, get professional advice about whether or not a risk exists.

Construction equipment working near the root zone of a mature tree

6. Recent Construction or Grading

Digging, grading, or heavy equipment near a tree's root zone can compact soil or sever roots. If you're planning construction near mature trees, put a tree protection plan in place before the first shovel goes in the ground.

Start Now, Not During the Forecast

The trees you never hear about on the news are the ones with strong structure and healthy roots underneath them. If you're not sure how your trees stack up, a Treecologist can walk your yard, point out what's worth addressing, and recommend a plan that fits your trees and your budget.

Schedule a free quote and get ahead of storm season while there's still time for pruning and soil work to make a difference.