Yes, dead branches can fall without obvious warning, sometimes even on calm days. As dead wood dries and decays, it becomes brittle and loses strength, so a branch that has hung on for months can break suddenly from its own weight, a gust of wind or the weight of rain or ice.
That’s why dead branches over places where people spend time are often a priority for removal. Knowing what to watch for can help you spot them before they come down.
Why Dead Wood Breaks So Easily
Living branches can bend and flex. Dead branches can’t. Over time, they dry out, crack and are broken down by fungi and insects.
The point where a dead branch meets the trunk or a larger limb can weaken as the tree seals itself off from the dead wood. Eventually, the branch may simply let go.
Larger dead limbs can be especially heavy and may fall farther than you expect.
Signs a Branch May Be Dead
Dead branches often have no leaves during the growing season while the rest of the tree does. The bark may be loose, cracked or falling off, and the wood underneath can look gray or weathered.
Small twigs on a dead branch usually snap easily instead of bending. Mushrooms or other fungal growth on a limb can also be a sign of decay.
Some branches are harder to judge, especially in winter when many trees are bare. In that case, comparing a branch to the rest of the tree in spring can help.
Where Dead Branches Matter Most
A dead branch over an open area far from buildings is usually less of a concern than one over a roof, driveway, deck, sidewalk or play area.
Branches hanging over parked cars, outdoor seating or places where kids play are worth addressing sooner. Dead limbs that are broken and caught in the canopy, sometimes called hangers, can drop at any time and should be avoided.
What to Do Next
Keep people and pets out from under large dead branches until they’re dealt with. Don’t try to pull them down or cut them yourself, since dead wood can break in unpredictable ways.
If a dead branch is near or touching a power line, stay clear and contact your utility.
Deadwood removal can take out dead limbs before they fall on their own. Removing them doesn’t make a tree completely safe, but it can reduce the chance of dead wood coming down. If deadwood is widespread, a tree inspection can help check the rest of the tree.
Noticed dead branches hanging over a busy part of your Missouri yard? A tree service in Joplin can look at them and help you decide which ones should come down first.
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