Trees add shade, privacy, beauty, and character to properties throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. But as trees mature, they can develop problems that aren't always obvious until a branch fails, a storm causes damage, or the tree begins showing signs of structural weakness.
The good news is that a problem with a tree doesn't automatically mean the tree needs to be removed. Some issues can be corrected through professional pruning, while others may require removal because the tree presents an unacceptable risk to people or property.
Knowing what to look for can help you address problems before they become more serious. Here are seven warning signs that your tree may need professional pruning, evaluation, or removal.
Dead branches are one of the most common warning signs homeowners notice.
As branches die, the wood can gradually lose strength. Wind, snow, ice, or even calm weather can eventually cause weakened branches to break and fall.
Dead branches become particularly concerning when they are located over:
• Homes and cabins
• Garages
• Driveways
• Decks and patios
• Vehicles
• Play areas
• Sidewalks and walkways
• Other frequently used areas
A few dead branches don't necessarily mean the entire tree needs to come down. If the tree is otherwise healthy and structurally sound, professional tree pruning may be able to remove the hazardous branches while preserving the tree.
For trees that can safely be maintained, learn more about our professional tree pruning services throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Not every leaning tree is dangerous.
Some trees naturally grow at an angle as they reach for sunlight or adapt to surrounding trees and terrain. A tree that has maintained the same lean for many years may be perfectly stable.
A new or increasing lean, however, deserves more attention.
Look around the base of the tree for:
• Lifting or heaving soil
• Exposed roots
• Broken roots
• Cracks in the soil
• Recent movement after a storm
• Changes in the angle of the trunk
These signs can indicate that the tree's root system has shifted or lost some of its structural support.
If you've noticed a tree beginning to lean, read our guide on how to tell if a leaning tree may be dangerous for additional warning signs to watch for.
Large cracks or splits in a tree can indicate structural weakness.
Pay particular attention to cracks where major branches connect to the trunk or where a tree divides into multiple large stems.
Some defects develop slowly and may remain stable for years. Others can worsen as the tree grows or after repeated exposure to wind, heavy snow, and ice.
Warning signs can include:
• Deep trunk cracks
• Splitting between multiple trunks
• Weak branch unions
• Large cavities
• Broken tops
• Partially attached limbs
• Areas of missing or damaged wood
The size and location of the defect matter.
A structural problem in a small branch may require nothing more than pruning. A major split involving the main trunk of a large tree near a home or cabin can be much more serious.
Trees can sometimes remain alive even while portions of the trunk, roots, or major branches are affected by decay.
That's one reason a tree can look healthy from a distance while still having structural problems.
Watch for:
• Large cavities in the trunk
• Soft or deteriorating wood
• Areas of missing bark
• Hollow sections
• Mushrooms near the base
• Fungal growth or conks on the trunk
• Decay around old wounds
Mushrooms by themselves don't automatically mean a tree is dangerous. However, certain types of fungal growth can be associated with decaying wood or roots.
Decay becomes particularly concerning when it affects the base or main trunk of a large tree because those areas provide much of the tree's structural support.
If you're unsure whether visible decay is affecting the safety of a tree, having the tree evaluated can help determine whether pruning, monitoring, or removal is appropriate.
Minnesota weather can be extremely hard on mature trees.
Severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, heavy snow, and ice can damage a tree without knocking it completely to the ground.
After a significant storm, inspect your trees from a safe distance for:
• Broken branches
• Hanging limbs
• Split trunks
• Broken tops
• Newly leaning trees
• Lifted soil around the roots
• Partially uprooted trees
• Branches resting on structures
Be particularly cautious around branches that are broken but still suspended in the canopy. These limbs can move unexpectedly and may be difficult to see from the ground.
If a storm has damaged trees around your property, Nic's Works provides professional storm damage cleanup for fallen trees, broken limbs, and storm debris.
When a damaged tree presents an immediate threat to a home, cabin, driveway, or other occupied area, our emergency tree service can help address hazardous situations.
A dead tree isn't always an immediate emergency, but dead wood generally becomes weaker as it deteriorates.
Large dead trees near buildings and frequently used areas deserve particular attention.
Signs of a dead or seriously declining tree can include:
• Extensive dead branches
• Little or no healthy foliage during the growing season
• Significant canopy dieback
• Large areas of missing bark
• Brittle branches
• Decaying wood
• Major insect or disease damage
The location of the tree makes a big difference.
A dead tree deep in a wooded area may present relatively little risk. The same tree standing next to a house, cabin, garage, driveway, or neighboring property can create a much greater concern.
When a tree is dead, severely declining, or structurally compromised, professional tree removal may be the safest long-term solution.
Being close to a building doesn't automatically make a tree dangerous.
Healthy mature trees can safely grow near homes for many years.
The concern increases when proximity to a structure is combined with other problems such as:
• Dead branches
• Structural cracks
• Root damage
• Significant decay
• Storm damage
• A new lean
• Weak branch unions
• A declining canopy
This is especially relevant throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area, where many homes and cabins were built among established mature trees.
Large trees may be located close to roofs, garages, driveways, septic systems, landscaping, neighboring properties, and shorelines. Limited equipment access on lake properties can make tree work more complicated as well.
Nic's Works specializes in large and hazardous tree removal, including difficult trees located near homes, cabins, and other structures.
Learn more about our tree cutting and removal services and how we safely handle challenging tree removals.
Finding one of these warning signs does not automatically mean the tree needs to be removed.
That's an important distinction.
If the tree is healthy and structurally sound but has dead, damaged, overgrown, or poorly positioned branches, professional pruning may be the appropriate solution.
Pruning can help remove hazardous deadwood, address damaged branches, improve clearance around structures, and maintain a healthy tree.
Removal becomes more likely when the underlying problem cannot reasonably be corrected.
Examples might include severe root failure, extensive trunk decay, major structural cracking, a dead tree, significant storm damage, or multiple serious defects affecting a tree that could fall onto people or property.
The goal should be to preserve healthy trees when practical while identifying trees that present an unacceptable risk.
If pruning is the appropriate option, learn more about Nic's Works' tree pruning services.
If removal is necessary, our tree removal specialists have the equipment and experience needed to handle large and difficult trees.
One warning sign by itself doesn't always indicate an emergency.
Multiple warning signs occurring together are more concerning.
For example, consider having a tree evaluated promptly if you notice:
• A new lean combined with lifting soil
• A trunk crack combined with visible decay
• Major dead branches hanging over a home
• A partially uprooted tree following a storm
• Significant root damage combined with movement
• A split trunk near a house or cabin
• A dead or severely declining tree within striking distance of a structure
You should also consider what would happen if the tree or branch failed.
A questionable tree in an unused wooded area presents a very different situation from the same tree positioned over a bedroom, driveway, deck, or cabin.
Tree removal can become especially dangerous when a tree is leaning, damaged, partially uprooted, split, or located close to a structure.
Large branches and trunks can contain tremendous weight and stored energy. Cutting one portion of the tree can cause another section to shift unexpectedly.
Professional tree removal companies use specialized equipment and carefully planned cutting techniques to control how tree sections are removed.
Nic's Works has the equipment to handle large trees, hazardous trees, storm-damaged trees, trees near homes and cabins, and difficult-access properties throughout Central Minnesota.
Does a dead branch mean the entire tree needs to be removed?
No. A healthy tree may simply need dead or damaged branches professionally pruned. The overall health and structure of the tree should be considered before deciding whether removal is necessary.
Is a leaning tree dangerous?
Not necessarily. Some trees naturally grow at an angle. A tree that recently developed a lean—especially when accompanied by lifting soil, exposed roots, cracks, or storm damage—is more concerning.
Can a damaged tree be saved?
Sometimes. The answer depends on the type and extent of damage, the tree's overall health, its structural condition, and its location. Some damaged trees can be managed through pruning, while severely compromised trees may require removal.
Should mushrooms growing near a tree worry me?
Not every mushroom indicates a dangerous tree. However, certain fungal growth around the trunk or root system can be associated with decaying wood. Large trees showing fungal growth along with other structural problems may warrant closer evaluation.
Should I remove a tree that's growing close to my house?
Not simply because it's close to the house. Healthy trees can grow safely near structures. Removal becomes more likely when proximity is combined with structural defects, root problems, decay, storm damage, or other significant concerns.
What should I do with a storm-damaged tree?
Stay away from hanging branches, partially uprooted trees, and damaged trees resting against structures. Significant storm damage should be evaluated before attempting to cut or move the tree.
Mature trees are a major part of properties throughout Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Merrifield, East Gull Lake, Lake Shore, Breezy Point, and the surrounding Central Minnesota lake country.
When a tree develops a problem, the solution isn't always to cut it down.
Nic's Works can help determine whether pruning, monitoring, or removal is the appropriate approach. We specialize in large and hazardous trees, including trees near homes and cabins, storm-damaged trees, lake properties, and locations where access makes tree removal more challenging.
If you're concerned about a tree on your property, request an estimate from Nic's Works and have the situation evaluated before a small problem becomes a larger one.
Nic's Works LLC
954 Poplar Drive
East Gull Lake, MN 56401
218-270-0861
