How to Tell if a Tree is a Risk to Your Home in Florida
Florida's climate is hard on trees. Between hurricanes, tropical storms, drought, and the constant humidity, trees here face stresses that trees in other parts of the country simply don't. The result is that a tree that looks perfectly healthy from the street can be hiding serious structural problems that put your home, your family, and your neighbors at risk.
Here's what to look for — and when to call a certified arborist.
1. The tree is leaning — especially if it wasn't before
A gradual lean that developed over years is usually just the tree growing toward light. But if a tree has recently started leaning, or if you notice the ground lifting or cracking around the base, that's a red flag. Sudden lean often means root failure, and a tree with compromised roots can come down without warning.
2. Cracks or splits in the trunk or major limbs
Vertical cracks, seams, or splits in the trunk are serious. So are large cracks where major limbs meet the trunk. These are called "included bark" failures and they're one of the most common causes of sudden limb failure in Florida — especially during storms.
3. Dead or hanging limbs over your home
Dead limbs don't fall on a schedule. They can come down on a calm day or during a storm. If you have dead wood hanging over your roof, your car, or anywhere people walk, it needs to be addressed. This is especially important heading into hurricane season.
4. Decay, cavities, or fungal growth at the base
Mushrooms or shelf fungi growing at the base of a tree are almost always a sign of internal decay. A tree can look perfectly normal on the outside while being hollow inside. Cavities in the trunk are also a warning sign — the larger the cavity, the less structural wood is holding the tree up.
5. Root damage or soil disturbance
Construction, trenching, pavement, or even severe drought can damage a tree's root system without leaving any visible sign above ground. If work has been done near a tree in the last few years, or if you've had extended dry periods, the root system may be compromised even if the canopy looks fine.
6. The tree has already been through storm damage
A tree that survived a hurricane or tropical storm may have hidden damage — cracked wood that's still holding together, root plate disturbance, or stress fractures in the canopy. These don't always show up immediately. If a tree took a hit in a recent storm, it's worth having it evaluated before the next one.
When to call a certified arborist
If you're seeing any of these signs — or if you just have a gut feeling something isn't right — don't wait. A TRAQ-qualified tree risk assessment gives you a documented, professional evaluation of what the actual risk is, what your options are, and what the recommended next steps are. That documentation also matters for insurance claims, HOA disputes, and liability purposes.
At Climb Corps, every assessment is performed on-site by Chad Harvey, ISA Certified Arborist (FL-306712A) and TRAQ qualified risk assessor. We don't assess from the truck — we get eyes on the tree, hands on the bark, and give you a straight answer in writing.
Serving Brooksville, Hernando County, Marion County, Orange County, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
Schedule a Tree Risk Assessment or call us at (352) 397-4309.