Every year, homeowners across State College and Centre County lose trees to storms, disease, and old age. Some of those trees show warning signs for months before they fail. Knowing what to look for can protect your home, your family, and your neighbors.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), dead and dying trees are one of the leading causes of property damage during severe weather. Central Pennsylvania sees its share of ice storms, summer thunderstorms, and high winds — especially along the Route 322 corridor and the ridgelines around Bald Eagle State Forest.
Here are seven signs that a tree on your property may need professional removal.
1. The Tree Has Started Leaning
A slight lean is normal for many trees, especially on hillsides common in the Toftrees and Park Forest neighborhoods. But a tree that has shifted noticeably — particularly after a storm or heavy rain — may have compromised roots. If the lean is new or getting worse, a certified arborist should evaluate it before the next storm season.
2. Dead Branches Keep Falling
Arborists call these “widow makers” for good reason. Dead limbs can snap off without warning and fall on people, vehicles, or rooftops. If you notice bare branches in the upper canopy while the rest of the tree is green, those dead sections need attention. Penn State Extension recommends having large dead limbs removed before they become a hazard.
3. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Deep cracks running vertically down the trunk indicate serious structural weakness. This is especially common in older hardwoods like oaks and maples found throughout Centre County yards. A split trunk can fail suddenly during high winds — the kind of straight-line winds that roll through the Nittany Valley during summer thunderstorms.
4. Mushrooms or Fungus Growing at the Base
Fungal growth at the trunk base or around exposed roots is a sign of internal decay. By the time mushrooms appear on the outside, the rot inside is often advanced. This is one of the trickiest warning signs because the tree canopy can still look healthy and full even when the interior is compromised.
5. Root Damage or Heaving Soil
Construction projects, new driveways, and even heavy foot traffic can damage a tree’s root system. If you see soil heaving up on one side of the tree, or if roots are visibly broken or exposed, the tree’s anchor in the ground is weakened. This is common in older neighborhoods around Bellefonte and Boalsburg where mature trees sit close to roads and sidewalks that have been regraded over the years.
6. Branches Near Power Lines
Trees growing into utility lines are a serious safety concern and a leading cause of power outages in the region. Penelec and FirstEnergy manage line clearance in their rights-of-way, but trees on private property are the homeowner’s responsibility. If branches are within 10 feet of a power line, do not attempt trimming yourself — contact a professional tree service with utility clearance experience.
7. The Trunk Sounds Hollow
Tap the lower trunk with a mallet or the back of a hatchet. A solid tree produces a firm, resonant sound. A hollow trunk sounds dull and empty. Trees can survive for years with a hollow core, but their structural strength is significantly reduced. One strong gust of wind during a spring storm is often all it takes to bring them down.
What to Do If You Spot These Signs
A dangerous tree will not fix itself, and waiting only increases the risk. The best course of action is a professional evaluation from a licensed tree service that can assess the situation and recommend removal if necessary.
Arbor Pro’s Tree Service provides tree removal throughout State College, Bellefonte, Boalsburg, Lemont, and the surrounding Centre County area. For large trees close to homes, we use a 65-ton knuckle boom crane that lifts sections away from the structure — no dropping limbs over your roof. We also offer crane-assisted removal for difficult access situations.
Licensed, insured, and available 24/7 for emergencies. Call (814) 553-0303 or request a free estimate online.