From the towering oaks that shade our driveways to the graceful magnolias that perfume our summers, trees are part of the charm of Georgia. They give our landscapes shade, color, oxygen, and sometimes fruit. While trees are a blessing, they can also become a serious hazard if left unchecked.

A large oak tree can easily weigh more than 15 tons - and much of that weight is in its branches. When something goes wrong (like internal decay or storm damage) that weight can come crashing down and cause serious property damage or injury. So, how do you know when a tree has gone from asset to liability?

In this brief article brought to you by Driscoll Tree Service, we share our two cents with five signs your tree might be a safety hazard, and suggest when to call in a tree service professional to take a closer look.

• Tree is Leaning - Especially Suddenly

Not all leaning trees are dangerous, but each carries some cause for concern. A gradual lean may simply mean the tree grew toward sunlight, but if it’s started tilting more recently or appears to be shifting after heavy rain or wind, then you've got a red flag. Here's why.

A sudden lean often points to root instability - meaning the root system can no longer support the tree’s weight. You might also notice the ground lifting, cracking, or bulging around the base. In Georgia’s clay-heavy soil, root rot can sneak up on a tree after years of damp weather.

A tree leaning more than 15 degrees from vertical is generally considered at high risk for falling, so call a local tree company to investigate as soon as possible.

• Dead or Falling Branches

A few dead twigs are normal, but if your tree is dropping large limbs - especially during calm weather - then it’s likely struggling. These "self-pruning" trees might be shedding branches to conserve resources, and this typically means they may already be in decline.

Look up at the canopy. If you see bare branches, cracked limbs, or sections with no leaves while others areas are full, then each are warning signs. Large dead branches can fall without warning. In neighborhoods like Brookhaven, Alpharetta, or Braselton, where trees often overhang homes or driveways, these falling limbs can do major damage.

A certified arborist can trim away hazardous branches safely and check whether the rest of the tree is structurally sound. Call Driscoll Tree Service for professional assistance.

• Cracks, Splits, or Cavities in the Trunk

Your tree’s trunk is its backbone - and it should be solid, robust, and free from deep cracks. Vertical splits or large cavities are a strong tell-tale sign of internal decay. That decay weakens the tree’s structure from the inside out.

If the bark is peeling away or there’s a hollow area big enough to fit your hand inside, the tree might be rotting. You might also spot fungal growth, like mushrooms or conks, around the base. Many times, a tree removal is part of the conversation in these scenarios.

Even if the tree still looks green and leafy, it can be dangerously unstable. Trees like red oaks, popular across Georgia, often mask decay until it’s too late. When in doubt, have a professional evaluate the damage before high winds put it to the test.

• Root Problems and Ground Disturbances

Healthy roots are the hidden strength of any tree. Unfortunately, most root problems go unnoticed until the symptoms show up above ground. Get ahead of the curve by watching out for:

• Cracked or heaving soil near the trunk
• Exposed or damaged roots
• Sparse leaves or sudden yellowing
• Fungal growth or mushrooms near the roots
• Signs of Disease or Pest Infestation

Georgia’s humid climate makes it a hotspot for tree diseases and pests. Common infections and critters include pine beetles, Armillaria root rot, and bacterial leaf scorch.

Left untreated, diseases can spread to nearby trees - turning one problem into many. The pros at Driscoll Tree Service can diagnose the issue and recommend treatment or removal before the damage spreads