Did you know? Trees can live for years with internal decay. While some trees can handle internal decay, it's always just a matter of time before they fall. Not knowing when that may happen is a spooky and potentially dangerous situation. Since the trouble may be hiding on the inside, it is important to regularly check your trees for signs of decay and disease.

Our friends from the Arbor Day Foundation recommend calling your arborist if:

There are signs of infection. Crown dieback, cracks (deep splits in the tree’s bark), misshapen or discolored leaves, soft crumbly wood, and the appearance of fungi may indicate your tree is infected. Other signs that may show the tree has unwanted pests include emergence holes, feeding galleries and woodpeckers feeding heavily on the tree.
You see large, dead branches in the tree’s crown. These are sometimes referred to as widow-makers because they can fall for seemingly no reason and seriously injure those below. If 50 percent or more of the tree is dead or damaged, it should probably be removed for safety reasons.
Your tree isn’t growing well. Take a look at the health and vigor of your tree compared to the trees growing near it. Thin leaf cover, discolored foliage and stunted growth are all signs your tree is having trouble. The reason may need to be diagnosed by a professional.
There is evidence of root defects. Root defects often are not easily noticeable, but heaving soil and fungi growing near the tree’s base are both signs of root issues.
The trunk is compromised. Cracks or splits, large wounds and dead branch stubs on the tree’s trunk all indicate internal decay.
The tree is hollow. A tree with a hollow trunk has been seriously compromised and is a hazard. If a third of the tree is rotted or hollow inside, it needs to be removed.
The tree is suddenly leaning. All leaning trees aren’t necessarily dangerous, but a tree that suddenly leans to one side may have structural problems.
You observe sprouts at the base of the tree. These are known as epicormic shoots and they indicate that the tree is severely stressed and should be evaluated by a professional.
The tree is under power lines. A tree that is growing into power lines can become a hazard and may need to be removed by a certified arborist or tree service.
The tree is too close to a house or other structure. Trees hanging over the roof or too close to a structure might need to be removed – or at least regularly pruned. In general, large trees should be at least 20 feet away from a house or building.

Browning Tree Service employs Joshua Browning ISA certified arborist license #KY-9849A who is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://arbordayblog.org/treecare/saying-goodbye-when-its-time-to-remove-your-tree