Cypress Tree Service Blog

Warning Signs a Tree Could Be Posing an Immediate Safety Threat to Your Home

Cypress Tree Service • January 7, 2026

Gray house with a front lawn, bay window, and a pathway leading to the front door.

A failing tree near your home has the potential to cause significant property damage and put occupants at risk, especially during high winds. Understanding the warning signs that a tree may be posing an immediate safety threat allows homeowners to take action before an emergency occurs. At Cypress Tree Service, we provide expert hazardous tree removal in the greater Byram Township, NJ area. Here are four signs that a tree is creating a serious safety hazard for your home.


Splits in the Trunk

Cracks or splits in a tree’s trunk often signal structural weakness. These fractures may develop from storm damage or internal decay. When a trunk begins to split, the tree’s ability to support its own weight is compromised, increasing the likelihood of sudden failure. Deep or widening cracks are especially concerning and should be evaluated promptly.


Leaning that Has Recently Worsened

While some trees naturally grow at a slight angle, a tree that suddenly begins to lean or appears to be leaning more than it did before can be extremely dangerous. Shifting soil, root damage, or decay may be causing the tree to lose stability. A newly leaning tree is far more likely to fall, particularly if its canopy is heavy.


Root Damage/Soil Heaving

Healthy roots anchor a tree firmly in the ground. When roots are damaged by construction, decay, or erosion, the tree’s stability is compromised. Signs such as exposed roots, cracked soil, or raised ground around the base of the tree can indicate that the root system is failing. This type of damage often precedes uprooting during storms.


Extensive Decay

Trees with internal decay may look stable from the outside but can be dangerously weak on the inside. Fungal growth on the trunk and large cavities are signs of significant decay. As decay spreads, the tree loses its ability to support its canopy, making sudden collapse more likely.


Tree Removal in Byram Township, NJ

For expert tree removal in Byram Township and the surrounding area, contact Cypress Tree Service at 973-358-2734. Feel free to give us a call to request an estimate for tree services in Byram Township!