4 Signs that a Tree Is Threatening Your Home & You Should Call the Arborist

Abundant Tree Care Services • June 19, 2025
Three men are posing for a picture in front of a tree

When big trees are compromised, they can pose serious threats to your safety and your home’s structure. While some warning signs are obvious, others may be subtle until it’s too late. Being able to recognize the indications of a hazardous tree can help you take preventive action before damage occurs. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists can identify and safely remove hazardous trees. Here are four signs that a tree may be creating a safety risk for your home.


Leaning Toward Structures

A tree that leans dramatically toward your house, garage, or other structure may be unstable. While not all leaning trees are dangerous, a sudden change in posture or a lean that continues to worsen can indicate root failure or structural weakness. If a tree is leaning more than usual following a storm or heavy rain, it's especially important to have it evaluated by an arborist right away.


Cracks in the Trunk or Major Limbs

Visible cracks in a tree’s trunk or large branches may indicate that it is splitting internally. These structural defects can lead to sudden failure, especially during strong winds. Cracks can also provide a pathway for pests and rot to weaken the tree further. Even if the cracks seem minor, they could signal serious underlying issues that compromise the tree’s stability.


Dead or Hanging Branches

Large dead limbs are a common safety concern, especially when located over rooftops, driveways, or walkways. Dead branches are brittle and prone to falling without warning, posing a risk to people and property below. If you notice multiple dead or hanging limbs, the tree may be under stress or declining in health, which can increase the risk of branch failure.


Roots Uplifting or Exposed

Roots play a vital role in anchoring a tree securely to the ground. If you observe roots lifting out of the soil or find that the soil around the base is disturbed, it could mean the tree is shifting. Exposed or damaged roots are often a result of erosion or construction, and can lead to the tree becoming unstable and toppling in high winds.


Tree Removal in De Soto, IL

For expert arborist services in De Soto, Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at 618-227-2881. Feel free to give us a call to request an estimate!

Read the Recent Customer Reviews for Abundant Tree Care Services in De Soto, IL!

By Abundant Tree Care Services • May 18, 2025
At Abundant Tree Care Services, we’re proud members of the local small business community. We strive to earn our customers’ complete satisfaction by doing expert tree work at fair rates. Whether you need tree removal, stump grinding, or pruning, our local arborists will work diligently to complete the job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Had a 15 ft cedar tree next to my house that started to lean/fall from weather and was a risk so I called these guys up & they arrived in about an hour & had it down in even less time. Pricing was good for the work done. If needed I'll definitely call these guys again.” — Brett R. “Abundant Tree Care Service was able to get to our needs quickly and did an excellent job. He ground out a large stump and smoothed the dirt, making the whole area look great. Highly recommend.” — Brenda G. “Abundant Tree Care recently did some tree work for me. They cut down a dead tree, cleaned up some damaged trees, and removed many branches from my yard. I would highly recommend them for any tree work you might need done. They were excellent!!” — Jo Ann W. “Very professional, quality work and all of the guys were extremely nice. I would definitely use Abundant Tree service again!! I highly recommend this business.” —Shellie D. “We have had a few other tree services out over the years and these guys are absolutely the most professional and still competitively priced. The cleanup after was impeccable, they were careful not to destroy our yard even with the ridiculous amount of rain we had (a difficult feat), and every guy on the crew was polite and professional. We had a complicated job with an 80+ ft pine leaning over a 2 story garage. It was obvious they took a lot of care to avoid any additional damage to the structure. I cannot recommend them enough.” — Shelby W. Tree Removal in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto , Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!

5 Indications that Your Tree Is a Safety Hazard

By Abundant Tree Care Services • April 16, 2025
Healthy trees provide beauty and environmental benefits, but when they become compromised, they can pose significant risks. A hazardous tree can cause property damage and serious injuries. At Abundant Tree Care Services, our local arborists can identify and safely remove dangerous trees. Here are five signs that your tree might be a safety hazard. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk Cracks and splits in the trunk can weaken a tree’s structural integrity, making it more likely to fall. Deep fissures or multiple cracks may indicate internal decay or previous storm damage. If a tree has a significant crack, it may be unstable and prone to collapse. The arborist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. Leaning with Exposed Roots A tree that is leaning significantly, particularly if it has recently changed position, is a major red flag. Leaning trees often have compromised root systems, especially if you notice exposed or damaged roots near the base. Soil erosion, storms, or root disease can contribute to instability. If your tree has started tilting and the roots appear disrupted, it may be at risk of toppling over. Dead/Dying Branches If you notice large branches that are dead or dying, your tree may be in trouble. Dead limbs can break off unexpectedly, especially during storms or high winds, creating a serious hazard for people, vehicles, and structures nearby. If your tree has a significant number of dead branches, it may be time for professional evaluation to determine if pruning or removal is necessary. Signs of Fungal Growth or Decay The presence of fungal growth at the base of a tree can indicate internal decay. Fungi feed on rotting wood, which means the tree’s internal structure may be compromised. Hollow or soft spots in the trunk can also suggest decay, reducing the tree’s ability to withstand storms and high winds. A tree with significant decay should be evaluated to determine whether it poses a risk. Nearby Structures Are at Risk Even if a tree appears healthy, its location can make it a hazard. Trees that are too close to buildings or power lines can create safety issues. Branches that extend over roofs or utility lines can break off and cause damage. If your tree is encroaching on a structure or utility line, professional trimming or removal may be necessary. Tree Removal in De Soto, IL For expert arborist services in De Soto, Carbondale, and Southern Illinois, contact Abundant Tree Care Services at  618-227-2881  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an estimate!