The Lean That Keeps Getting Worse

Trees don't suddenly lean overnight. But if you've noticed your oak or maple tilting more each season, that's your tree telling you something's wrong underground. Root damage, soil erosion, or structural failure cause progressive leaning. A tree leaning more than 15 degrees toward a structure needs professional assessment immediately.

Pay attention to soil heaving around the base—when roots lift soil as the tree leans, failure is imminent. Don't wait for the next storm to test whether your leaning tree will hold. We've removed hundreds of dangerous trees in Dearborn, and nearly all of them showed warning signs months before they became emergencies.

Dead Branches Throughout the Canopy

One or two dead branches happen naturally as trees age. But when you see dead wood scattered throughout the canopy, especially on one side, that indicates systemic problems. Disease, root damage, or vascular issues prevent nutrients from reaching parts of the tree. These trees decline rapidly and drop branches without warning.

Hollow Trunks and Visible Decay

Cavities in the trunk don't automatically mean removal, but they do mean assessment. Large hollow sections, especially those extending more than one-third through the trunk, compromise structural integrity. Fungal growth, soft or crumbling wood, and carpenter ant activity all signal advanced decay. At ThriveHill Dearborn Tree Service, we use specialized tools to measure remaining sound wood and determine if the tree can be safely preserved or needs removal.

Cracks in the Trunk or Major Limbs

Deep vertical cracks, seams that separate bark from wood, or splits at branch unions indicate structural failure in progress. These weak points fail under stress—high winds, ice loads, or even the tree's own weight. Professional removal prevents these trees from choosing their own time to fall, usually during the worst possible conditions.