Hidden Tree Danger: Internal Decay Found After May Storm
This Tree Looked Healthy—But It Was Rotting from the Inside
Following a string of storms in the Detroit Lakes area, our team responded to a tree that appeared stable on the outside. But once inspected, it told a different story. A large split revealed extensive internal decay, showing just how deceiving a healthy-looking trunk can be. Had it failed, the results could have been devastating for the lakeside property nearby.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore “Healthy” Trees After Storms
Even if your trees are standing strong after high winds and rain, they may still be unsafe. Internal rot, cracks in the main stem, and shifting root systems can all be signs of structural failure waiting to happen. This tree had no major dead limbs, no fungal growths, and no visible damage—yet the inside was nearly hollow.
Signs Your Tree May Be in Trouble
Even if your trees appear healthy, look for the following warning signs:
Cracks or splits in the main trunk
Heaving or shifting soil at the base
Large dead limbs or sudden leaf loss
Mushrooms or fungi growing near the roots or trunk
Catching these early can save you costly damage—or worse.
What to Expect in the Cleanup Process
If you’ve ever wondered what professional storm cleanup looks like from start to finish, here’s a detailed look at what to expect:
Initial Inspection & Safety Assessment
Our team begins by identifying any dangerous limbs, cracks, or instability that could pose a risk to nearby homes, docks, or power lines. In this case, the entire trunk was compromised.Bucket Truck Setup for Safe Access
A trained crew member is lifted into place using a hydraulic bucket truck. This allows for safe, controlled removal of the upper sections of the tree before working near the trunk.Precision Limb Removal
Sections of the tree are carefully removed piece by piece, often using a chainsaw while suspended. This protects nearby structures and reduces the risk of uncontrolled falls.Trunk Dismantling & Ground Cleanup
After removing the limbs, the team works downward, dismantling the trunk section by section. As you can see in the photos and video, this tree was nearly hollow inside — a dangerous condition had it remained standing.Debris Hauling & Final Site Cleanup
Once the tree is safely down, we haul away all branches, logs, and sawdust — leaving the site clean and safe.
Why Internal Tree Decay Is So Dangerous
Internal rot doesn’t always show visible signs. Trees may look perfectly healthy for years while silently hollowing out from the inside. High winds, heavy rain, or saturated soil can tip the balance — and bring the entire tree down with little warning. That’s why post-storm inspections are critical, even for trees that appear undamaged.
Free Tree Safety Checks Available Now
If your property was hit by recent storms — or if you have mature trees near your home — now is the time to get them inspected. Whether it's a visible crack or a subtle lean, we can assess the situation and give you a professional opinion.
👉 Click here to schedule your free inspection or quote.
Don’t wait for another storm to find out your tree was already compromised.