The death of a tree can be disappointing as well as dangerous. While it may be tempting to ignore the issue, rotting trees pose a real hazard to your home and loved ones. They can come down easily in a stiff breeze, which may result in major damage. The following are signs that your tree is rotting and needs to be removed.

Fungal growth

Tree rot often begins with the roots, and once these begin to rot the tree is no longer well-anchored. Fortunately, there are often fungal signs that show you that rot is occurring. If mushrooms or other fungal fruiting bodies begin sprouting from the base of the trunk or above the root system, then you likely have rotting wood. In some cases, the fungus is the cause of the rot, but more often the fungus is feeding upon the rotting wood. Rot is often well progressed by the time you have mushrooms, since these are only produced by mature fungal bodies.

Open cavities

Cavities in the tree are another sign of rot. A healthy tree should not have any hollow area. If insects, birds, or trauma opens up a hole in the tree, and you can see that it is hollow inside, then the center of the tree has rotted out and it is a falling danger. Another sign of this problem is if large limbs begin to drop and they are hollow inside. It's best to have the tree removed promptly just to be safe.

Peeling bark

With the exception of a few varieties like birch, trees shouldn't shed a lot of bark. Minor bark damage isn't usually a concern, but if the bark begins peeling off in great quantities you may have a rot problem. This is especially likely if there is no visible insect damage to the wood beneath the fallen bark. The loss of the bark indicates that the tree's vascular system is no longer working properly, often as a result of root rot.

Increased woodpecker activity

Woodpeckers usually prefer to feed in standing deadwood or dying trees. This is because the center of these trees is usually rotten and host to the insects that bird feeds upon. Woodpeckers will sometimes knock on healthy trees, but this is more as a mating call rather than for feeding. If you notice woodpeckers spending long hours in the tree pecking for food, then you likely have a rotting tree.

Call in a tree removal service promptly to arrange for the removal of the problem tree before it is too late.