Dangers of Dead Trees: Dead Trees Can be More Life Threatening and Dangerous Than You Think
Let’s be honest, when most people see a dead tree, they don’t panic. Maybe it looks a little spooky, or maybe it’s just background scenery you don’t pay attention to. But here’s the thing: dead trees are more than just faded pieces of the landscape. There are dangers of dead trees. They can be ticking time bombs — quiet hazards that can cause serious damage to property, people, and even entire ecosystems.
Let’s break down some of the very important reasons why dead trees are dangerous and what signs you should never ignore.
Heavy limbs waiting to fall, often referred to as WIDOW MAKERS
One of the most immediate dangers of dead and live trees is its dead limbs. When a tree dies, its branches become dry, brittle, and unstable. They’re not getting any nutrients or moisture, so they’re just sitting up there like loose bricks on a rooftop.
All it takes is one gust of wind, one storm, or even a curious squirrel to bring a heavy branch crashing down. And when those limbs fall, they don’t just drop like twigs. They can crush cars, damage roofs, and seriously injure anyone unlucky enough to be standing beneath them.
In October 2024, a 12-year-old boy in Lawrence Township tragically lost his life when a tree limb fell on him while he was playing in his backyard. Investigations revealed that gusty winds caused the limb to break off, underscoring the lethal potential of unstable trees.
If you see large, dead limbs overhead, don’t assume they’ll stay put. They are liabilities just waiting for gravity to win.
A weak root system that can’t hold on can fail at the worst time
You can’t see them, but roots are the foundation of a tree’s stability. When a tree dies, its roots begin to decay, too. That means the entire structure becomes more unstable over time. Calling in an Arborist who is knowledgeable of the numerous types of tree species and their root systems that are not visible to the naked eye who will explain which trees have the most vulnerable root system and can become extremely
hazardous is always the best choice.
In some cases, especially after heavy rain or in soft soil, a dead tree can simply tip over. No warning, no time to react. This is especially risky if the tree is near a house, power lines, or a frequently used pathway.
In June 2024, powerful storms in Mountainside, NJ, caused a large tree to fall on a house, leading to significant damage and highlighting the dangers of unstable trees during severe weather events. These types of incidents are more frequent than you may think and are preventable. A seasoned experienced tree expert will help guide you to make some important changes when needed.
If a dead tree is leaning or if the ground around it seems disturbed or sunken, it’s not just nature doing its thing, it’s a safety risk.
Disease and infestations can spread like wildfire
Trees don’t just die in isolation. Many fall victim to pests and diseases like the emerald ash borer, Dutch elm disease, or fungal infections. When a dead or dying tree is left untreated, it can become a hub for these pathogens and insects, which can then move on to healthy nearby trees. Not to mention the Spot Lantern fly that have created issues beyond the favorite TREE OF HEAVEN killing off trees without much sign causing them to fail without warning. Recently Killing a young motorcyclist along Rt 46 in Warren County another tragedy that should have been prevented. Education and knowledge is powerful and calling the experts at Advanced Tree Care is a first step.
In 2024, beech leaf disease was reported sweeping across Princeton, NJ, with nearly all beech trees in certain areas showing symptoms. Experts warn that essentially all of New Jersey’s beech trees could be dead within ten years if the disease continues to spread unchecked.
In other words, one dead tree can turn into a forest-wide problem if it’s not removed in time. If you care about the trees in your yard, neighborhood, around your office building, or local park, letting one diseased tree linger is like leaving a campfire smoldering in dry grass.
Don’t just look at the tree, look at its neighbors. If they’re showing signs of the same issues, it’s time to act.
When trees die due to disease, they often become reservoirs for infectious agents like
fungi, bacteria, and invasive insects. For example:
- Emerald Ash Borer lays eggs in ash trees. When larvae hatch, they bore into the phloem and cambium, cutting off nutrient flow and killing the tree.
- Beech Leaf Disease causes leaf deformation and canopy thinning, leading to death over several years. The cause is a nematode (Litylenchus Crenatae) that disrupts cellular growth in leaves.
- Fungal Pathogens like Phytophthora and Verticillium wilt can live in the soil and infect neighboring plants.
A diseased tree isn’t just dead weight, it’s a launchpad for regional infestations. Prompt removal is critical to stop the spread.
Dead infested trees can attract the wrong kind of wildlife
We love wildlife, but there’s a difference between a bird nesting in a tree and termites setting up shop. The dangers of these dead trees are that they often become homes for carpenter ants, termites, beetles, and even rodents. These creatures don’t just stick to the tree; they can and will make their way to nearby buildings, especially if the tree is close to your home.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has noted that the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect first detected in the state in 2014, has led to the death of millions of ash trees. These dead trees become breeding grounds for pests that can migrate to healthy trees and even homes.
A telltale sign of infestation is woodpecker damage and hammering.
What starts as a wildlife sanctuary can quickly turn into a pest control problem. Fast.
If you’re hearing activity in a dead tree, such as scratching, chirping, or chewing, assume they’re not just staying put.
They’re Unpredictable in a Storm
Healthy trees sway in the wind because their flexible trunks and limbs absorb kinetic energy. Dead trees, by contrast, become rigid and fragile. The desiccated wood cannot bend without cracking, and internal decay, often hidden, can create hollow or weakened areas that act as failure points.
During storms, dead trees are prone to:
- Trunk shear from high wind pressure
- Crown loss, where the top section snaps off
- Uprooting due to compromised roots
In March 2025, New Jersey’s first tornado of the year brought 95 mph winds, resulting in dozens of tree failures across residential areas. Many of the worst incidents involved dead trees or trees weakened by disease.
If a storm is on the way and you’ve got a dead or questionable tree nearby, don’t wait. Prevention is far safer and cheaper than emergency response.
What should you do about the dangers of dead trees?
If you suspect a tree is dead or dying, get it evaluated. Advanced Tree Care is a licensed NJ Tree Care Company with the owner and it’s agents certified as arborists, licensed tree care experts and operators. Advanced Tree Care will make an assessment of your trees that can provide you an evaluation what’s going on and whether removal is necessary. Don’t try to handle it yourself with a chainsaw and a prayer. Tree removal is serious work, especially when you’re dealing with large or unstable trees.
A few things to look for:
- No leaves or buds during the growing season
- Bark falling off in large chunks
- Large cavities or cracks in the trunk
- Fungal growth at the base
- Sudden lean or shifting soil around the base
Dead trees may seem harmless at first glance, but don’t let them fool you. They’re structurally unsound, biologically contagious, and potentially dangerous. If you’ve got one on your property, think of it like an abandoned building: just because it’s standing doesn’t mean it’s safe.
If it is not yet obvious — the dangers of dead trees are serious! Your best move? Don’t ignore it. Get it checked, get it cleared, and keep your landscape and your family safe. Most insurance companies are very strict and require dead trees to be handled as well as healthy trees if they are impeding on your home or structures. Call Advanced Tree Care Experts for a proactive assessment.
