Many homeowners can attest to the natural beauty that their trees add to their property. When trees begin to die, however, they can become a danger to both you, your neighbors, and your home and vehicle.

Here are four signs of a dying tree you should look out for:

1) Root Damage

Common signs of root damage you can observe first hand are undersized leaves and thinning foliage. An arborist can help make the call as to whether the damage is fixable, or if the tree needs to go. Unfortunately, root damage is very common, especially as a result of construction. If your home is fairly new, it’s possible that the tree’s roots underwent repeated compacting effect even as various trucks attempted to avoid damaging the tree itself.

2) Dead Crown

The East Coast has dealing with several different tree pests and diseases that have been ravaging forests lately. The Emerald Ash Borer is a pest of epic proportions, having killed more than 50 million ash trees in America since 2002. These insects drill into the trees, feeding on the wood and ultimately killing the tree. After infection, trees die within a handful of years—and one of the tell-tale signs is a dead crown (the top of the tree, which is usually the healthiest part). Dead crowns can also be a sign of other serious problems, such as drought and bad soil composition. No matter the cause, these trees need to be removed right away.

3) Fungus Growth

You may remember childhood tales of the fairy ring, when mushrooms grow in a circle where the fairies have danced. There’s nothing cute about fungal growth on your trees, though. Mushrooms growing directly on your tree or next to the roots can indicate that your tree is rotting—fungus feeds on decay. A tree specialist can help you determine if the tree can be treated, or the damage is too extensive to be fixed.

4) Uneven Growth

In a forest, trees tend to grow straight up. In a yard with little competition for the sun’s light, however, trees tend to spread out more. This can contribute to an overburdened canopy that actually weakens your tree’s overall structure—these are often the first trees to lose heavy limbs during a storm. A tree specialist can advise you as to whether these trees are likely to be a hazard, or if they can be proactively pruned in order to encourage safer and healthier growth.

Trees can be a valuable addition to your property, but it’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, they are living structures and require care and upkeep just like anything else. A professional tree inspection from Lola’s Landsacpe can help you make sure your trees are around for many years to come.