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5 Warning Signs of Tree Decay Before Severe Weather

5 Warning Signs of Tree Decay Before Severe Weather

A tree can look healthy and strong from the outside while serious decay is quietly spreading internally. While…

Aug 26,2026

A tree can look healthy and strong from the outside while serious decay is quietly spreading internally. While this hidden weakness may not raise concerns initially, it can pose safety hazards and property damage during adverse weather conditions. Internal decay can go undetected for a long time, compromising the tree’s structural integrity. By scheduling routine inspections with a trusted tree company like Sesmas Tree Service, you can catch signs of decay early before they worsen and cause irreversible damage. Here are the tell-tale signs you should watch out for before the next storm hits.

5 Warning Signs of Tree Decay Before Severe Weather

Hollow or Unusually Soft Areas

One of the most obvious signs of internal decay is wood that sounds hollow or feels unusually soft to the touch. Healthy wood generally has a solid structure, while decaying wood may lose its strength as fungi and microorganisms break down the material. Gently tap the trunk or examine exposed sections of wood for deterioration, and act quickly to prevent spreading. Although this hands-on approach may not reveal the extent of the problem, it can help you schedule an inspection and determine whether tree removal is necessary.

Cavities and Holes in the Trunk

Visible signs on the trunk, such as deep holes, crevices, and openings in the trunk, can indicate that decay has spread. These signs usually appear after branches break, bark becomes damaged, or fungi enter through open wounds. While some trees can naturally seal off damaged areas, large cavities may indicate a significant amount of wood has been lost. During strong winds and heavy rains, the remaining healthy wood may struggle to handle the force of adverse weather conditions. As a property owner, you should pay attention to visible damage near major branch unions or around the lower trunk.

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Mushroom or Fungal Growth

Another warning sign you need professional tree service in Georgia is organic growth, typically mushrooms or fungi. These unusual growths around the base usually indicate that the wood is weak and decay is likely occurring within the tree. Even if fungal growth may not raise concerns initially, it can spread to the roots or lower trunk, compromising the tree’s stability. A certified arborist knows how different fungi affect trees, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective solutions to protect your green spaces. In the case of severe damage, a full tree removal may be the best course of action to prevent infections from spreading.

Cracks, Dead Branches, and Unusual Leaning

Large crevices in the trunk or major branches are red flags that should never be ignored. Cracks usually indicate structural stress, while dead branches may suggest that decay has spread. Additionally, an unusual lean can indicate structural issues that need immediate attention. When you detect these signs, call a local tree company to inspect, diagnose, and address the root cause of the problem. Sometimes, multiple signs can occur together, posing a greater risk if left unattended.

Bark Changes and Areas of Dieback

Finally, changes in bark can provide another clue that something is wrong beneath the surface. If you detect peeling, missing, sunken, or discolored bark, it may be due to an injury or disease. Regularly inspect your trees for sections where limbs are dying back, leaves are sparse, or parts of the canopy appear noticeably different from the rest of the tree. Although these symptoms don’t always prove internal decay, they show declining health that deserves immediate attention. A tree service provider can evaluate the conditions of your trees before severe weather exacerbates underlying issues.

The reality is that internal decay can go undetected until it is too late. By watching out for the signs of deterioration, you can identify potential problems earlier. Don’t wait for storms or adverse weather conditions to wreak havoc. Contact Sesmas Tree Service and schedule a consultation with our experts to maintain structurally sound trees for many years to come.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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