Can You Tell if my Tree is Likely to Fall?

Yes, certified arborists can determine if a tree is likely to fall by performing a professional assessment. At Miller Tree Service, four on-staff experts use a combination of visual inspection, sounding, and drilling techniques to provide accurate risk ratings.

Key indicators that a tree may be hazardous and prone to falling include:

• Leaning trunks: Especially a severe lean of more than 15 degrees following a storm.
• Root exposure: If more than 20% of the roots are uprooted or exposed.
• Soil heaving: Ground uplift of more than 12 inches around the base of the tree.
• Cracks or splits: Deep fissures in the trunk or major branches wider than 2 inches.
• Hanging limbs: Detached branches larger than 6 inches in diameter.

To identify hidden internal decay that visual checks might miss, arborists use advanced tools like resistographs (which measure wood resistance) and sonic tomography for detailed imaging of the tree core. Studies show that combining these professional methods allows arborists to achieve up to 80% consistency in predicting failures, far surpassing amateur guesses.