Short answer: Dead trees get brittle and drop limbs or snap in storms, so it pays to remove them before they fall. Warning signs of a dangerous tree include mushrooms or conks at the base, cracks or cavities in the trunk, dead limbs or a thinning crown, and a new lean. If you see them on a tree near your house, have it looked at in person.
Why dead trees shouldn't wait
A dead tree dries out and gets brittle. Limbs drop without warning, and a dead pine can snap in a storm that a healthy one would ride out. The longer it stands, the harder (and often pricier) it is to take down safely, because a climber can't trust the wood. If a dead tree could hit the house, a car or a fence, call (843) 942-9156 for a free quote.
Warning signs
- Mushrooms or conks at the base or on the trunk
- Cracks or splits, especially where two trunks meet
- A new lean, or soil heaving up on one side
- Dead limbs, or a thin crown with dieback at the top
- Cavities, or bark falling off in sheets
- Pines turning brown or yellow from the top down (possible beetles or disease)
Who should check it
A tree contractor can give a practical opinion. For a formal evaluation (for example, a dispute with a neighbor or an insurance question), ask for an ISA Certified Arborist, ideally with the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). You can verify a certification on the ISA website.
Before hurricane season
Early summer is a good time to have large trees near the house looked at, before the busiest part of the Atlantic season.