Trees are an important part of the landscape, providing shade, curb appeal, and relief from the Texas heat. However, the region’s intense summers, heavy storms, and shifting soil conditions can weaken trees over time. When a tree becomes unhealthy or unstable, it can pose a serious safety risk to your home and property.
Many dangerous trees show warning signs long before they fail—but homeowners often overlook them until damage has already occurred. Knowing what to look for can help you prevent property damage, personal injury, and costly emergencies. Below are five critical signs for the trees of San Antonio and Boerne that need immediate professional attention.
1. Dead or Hanging Branches
Dead or hanging branches are a common issue in San Antonio and Boerne, especially after strong winds, heat stress, or severe storms. If large limbs are hanging loosely or falling on their own, it’s a sign the tree is no longer healthy or structurally sound.
These branches can break without warning, posing a serious threat to roofs, vehicles, sidewalks, and power lines. Deadwood may also indicate internal decay or disease that affects the entire tree. Prompt trimming or inspection by a professional tree service is essential.
2. Hollow or Decaying Trunk
A tree with a hollow or soft trunk is often rotting from the inside—a problem frequently caused by age, storm damage, or fungal growth common in South Texas.
Visible cavities, peeling bark, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped are strong warning signs. Even if the tree appears healthy on the outside, internal decay can cause sudden trunk failure during heavy rain or high winds, making professional evaluation critical.
3. Sudden Lean or Shift in Position
A sudden lean is especially dangerous in areas such as Boerne and parts of San Antonio, where rocky soil and erosion can compromise root stability. Trees that begin leaning unexpectedly may have damaged roots, weakened soil support, or structural failure.
This becomes even more concerning when trees are close to homes, driveways, or utility lines. Trees rarely correct themselves once they start leaning, so immediate professional assessment is necessary to determine whether stabilization or removal is required.
4. Root Damage or Soil Disturbance
Healthy roots are essential for keeping trees anchored, particularly during Texas storms. Signs of root damage include exposed roots, cracked or lifting soil around the base, fungal growth, or roots that appear broken or decayed.
Root issues in San Antonio and Boerne often stem from construction projects, drought, flooding, or vehicle traffic. Since roots are mostly hidden underground, visible damage often means the problem is already advanced and needs immediate attention.
5. Pest Infestation or Tree Disease
Pests and diseases are common threats to trees in South Texas. Insects such as borers, along with fungal and bacterial diseases, can weaken trees from the inside out.
Warning signs include leaf discoloration, thinning canopies, premature leaf drop, holes in the bark, sap leakage, or visible insect activity. Left untreated, these issues can spread to nearby trees and significantly increase the risk of failure. A professional tree service can diagnose the problem early and recommend the safest course of action.
Why Immediate Action Matters
In San Antonio and Boerne, dangerous trees rarely fail slowly. Instead, they often collapse suddenly—especially during storms, high winds, or periods of heavy rain. Delaying action can lead to damaged roofs, crushed vehicles, blocked driveways, power outages, or serious injuries.
Proactive tree care not only protects your property but can also save healthy trees by addressing issues early. Professional evaluation ensures the right solution, whether that involves trimming, treatment, bracing, or safe removal.
Conclusion
If your tree is showing any of these warning signs, taking action now can make all the difference. What may seem like a small issue—a dead limb, a slight lean, or early decay—can quickly turn into a dangerous situation, especially during the unpredictable weather common in San Antonio and Boerne.
Tree Amigos Tree Service is proud to serve homeowners throughout the San Antonio and Boerne areas with reliable, safety-focused tree care. Our experienced team provides thorough tree inspections, precision trimming, and professional tree removal using proven techniques and industry best practices. We carefully evaluate each tree and offer honest recommendations that prioritize safety, tree health, and long-term protection for your property.
