Trees are great—until they’re not.

They give us shade, privacy, and those crisp fall colors that make New England famous. But once a tree starts acting funny—leaning a little more than usual, dropping limbs every time the wind blows, or looking a bit worse for wear—it can turn from scenic to sketchy real fast.

Here in New Hampshire, where storms blow in like they’ve got something to prove, trees don’t always hold up the way we hope. And that tree you’ve been ignoring all winter? It might be trying to tell you something.

So how do you know when it’s time to call in the pros? Here are five signs that your tree might be a bigger problem than you think—and what to do about it.

1. The Trunk Looks Like It’s Been Through It

Cracks, deep splits, or bark peeling away like it’s had one too many rough winters—those are all signs your tree is in trouble. The trunk is your tree’s foundation. If it’s damaged, everything above it is compromised too.

Don’t mistake old wounds for “character.” If your tree’s got an open wound or a gaping split down the side, especially near the base, it’s time for a professional inspection. Left alone, that trunk could fail in the next big storm—and when it goes, it’s taking something with it.

2. Your Tree’s Suddenly Leaning—And Not in a Cool Way

A little lean is fine—trees grow toward sunlight, and sometimes the terrain shifts naturally over time. But if your tree was standing straight last year and now it’s looking like it’s about to hug your garage, that’s a problem.

A sudden lean usually means something’s gone wrong underground. Maybe the roots have weakened, or the soil has shifted. Either way, that tree is unstable, and gravity’s not going to do it any favors.

Take a walk around the base. If the soil looks pushed up on one side or you can see exposed roots where there weren’t any before, get on the phone. That tree’s making moves—and not the kind you want.

3. Dead Branches Just Hanging Around

We’ve all seen it—a big dead limb hanging high up in a tree, just waiting for the right wind gust to come down like a surprise party you didn’t ask for. Dead or dying limbs are brittle, unpredictable, and straight-up dangerous.

They’re especially bad when they’re over your driveway, your house, your kids’ playset, or your neighbor’s new fence (because you just know that’ll be the one that gets hit). Even small branches can do serious damage when they fall from 30 feet up.

If your tree’s got limbs with no leaves in summer or bark falling off in big chunks, those branches are likely dead. Don’t wait until they come down on their own—get them removed the safe way.

4. Mushrooms or Fungi Growing Around the Base

Fungi are great… in your garden or on your pizza. Not so much when they’re growing on your tree.

Mushrooms and conks (those shelf-looking fungi) around the trunk or roots are usually signs of internal rot. That means the tree might be hollowing out from the inside—even if it still looks fine up top.

When the base is compromised, the rest of the tree is standing on borrowed time. If you see any kind of mushroom colony or fungal growth near the roots, give us a call. We’ll take a closer look and figure out if it can be saved—or if it’s time to make a plan before Mother Nature does.

5. You’ve Got Insects—and Not the Friendly Kind

Trees host plenty of wildlife, but when you start noticing little holes in the bark, piles of sawdust at the base, or oozing sap, you’re probably dealing with an infestation.

Wood-boring insects like emerald ash borers or carpenter ants can weaken a tree from the inside out. The problem is, by the time you see the signs, they’ve already moved in—and your tree’s strength is already compromised.

If you’re seeing trails in the bark, sticky sap, or anything that looks like bug damage, it’s time to bring in a pro. Sometimes treatment can save the tree. Sometimes removal is the safer bet. Either way, we’ll tell it to you straight.

Not Sure? Let the Pros Take a Look

Not every tree showing wear and tear needs to come down. Some just need a little TLC—maybe a strategic pruning or treatment plan. But you don’t want to be guessing with a 40-foot oak next to your roof.

That’s where we come in. At Burke’s Tree Service, we’ve been helping New Hampshire homeowners figure this stuff out for over four decades. We’ll come out, assess the situation, and give you honest advice—no scare tactics, no pressure, and no nonsense.

Why Locals Trust Burke’s Tree Service

We’re not some pop-up crew that shows up after a storm and disappears. We’re based right here in Rochester, NH. We’re fully insured, properly licensed, and we’ve got the heavy-duty equipment and seasoned crew to handle whatever your property needs.

Our team includes certified pesticide applicators, trained arborists, and even a former golf course superintendent (so yeah, we know a thing or two about lawns too). When we say we treat your trees like family, we mean it.

Don’t Wait Until It’s a 911 Call

If you’ve got a tree that’s making you nervous—or you just want a second opinion before the next nor’easter—head to our website and get in touch.

👉 https://www.burkestreeservice.net

Let’s keep your property safe, beautiful, and stress-free—before that sketchy tree makes the first move.