Most homeowners assume a tree is safe as long as it’s still standing. But the reality is much different. A tree can look healthy from the outside while hiding significant internal decay, and by the time the problem becomes obvious, the tree is often one windstorm away from causing serious damage.
Rotten or hollow trees are some of the most dangerous tree-related hazards on Michigan properties. They fail without warning, fall faster, and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to roofs, vehicles, fences, and even neighboring homes. That’s why early detection and timely, professional tree removal are essential.
At Ole Man RB’s Tree Service, we’ve spent years identifying, diagnosing, and safely removing compromised trees before they become emergencies. Here’s what every Michigan homeowner should know.
Why Trees Become Rotten or Hollow
Several conditions can create internal decay long before surface symptoms appear:
1. Fungal Infections
Mushrooms, fungus shelves, and soft areas often indicate that the tree’s internal structure is breaking down. Once fungus enters the heartwood, the decay spreads from the inside out.
2. Water Intrusion & Moisture Damage
Storm damage, broken limbs, and open wounds allow rainwater to seep into the trunk. Over time, moisture leads to slow internal rot.
3. Pest Infestations
Carpenter ants, borers, and termites don’t just attack dead wood; they thrive in weakened trunks and speed up structural breakdown.
4. Storm Damage & Lightning Strikes
Michigan’s heavy winds, ice storms, and lightning can fracture a tree internally even when the exterior damage seems minor.
Even if a tree still produces leaves, internal decay may already be underway.
The Hidden Dangers Most Homeowners Don’t See
Rotten or hollow trees pose risks that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Here are the dangers our certified professionals look for daily:
1. Sudden Tree Failure
A tree that appears stable can collapse with no warning, especially during storms or high winds. Hollow trunks lack the internal support needed to stay upright.
2. Increased Storm Damage Risk
Decayed trees are 5–10x more likely to fall during Michigan’s winter ice storms and heavy wind events.
3. Falling Branches & Top Breakage
Rotten limbs can break unpredictably and fall on vehicles, roofs, or people below. Even medium-sized branches can weigh hundreds of pounds.
4. Property and Structural Damage
Compromised trees often fall toward the side with decay or lean. This puts homes, garages, fences, sheds, and power lines in the direct path of damage.
5. Higher Emergency Tree Removal Costs
When a rotten tree finally fails, emergency cleanup is always more expensive than preventive removal. And if it damages your property, insurance may not always cover it.
Warning Signs Your Tree May Be Rotten or Hollow
You don’t need to be an arborist to spot early red flags. Here’s what Michigan homeowners should look for:
- Large cavities or hollow sections in the trunk
- Mushrooms or fungal growth at the base
- Cracks, splits, or soft exposed wood
- Missing bark or deep wounds
- Branches dying from the top down
- A sudden lean or shifting soil at the base
- Carpenter ants or other insects around the trunk
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an inspection immediately. The longer internal decay goes unchecked, the more dangerous and costly the problem becomes.
When a Hollow or Rotten Tree Must Be Removed
Not every decayed tree needs immediate removal, but many do. The primary factors we evaluate include:
1. How Much of the Trunk Is Compromised
If more than 30% of the trunk is hollow, the tree is at extremely high risk.
2. Proximity to Homes, Vehicles, or High-Traffic Areas
If a failing tree could land on a structure, walkway, or driveway, removal is almost always the safest choice.
3. Species & Structural Strength
Some Michigan species (like soft maples) become unsafe faster once rot begins.
4. Storm Season Timing
A weakened tree heading into winter is a major safety risk.
When removal is necessary, homeowners should always rely on trained professionals, especially since rotten trees can collapse during cutting and require specialized safety techniques.
Why Professional Tree Removal Is Critical for Rotten Trees
Removing a hollow or decaying tree is not like removing a healthy one. The internal structure is unstable, meaning:
- The trunk can collapse during cutting
- The tree may not fall in a predictable direction
- Rotten limbs can break unexpectedly
- Climbing a decayed tree is extremely dangerous
At Ole Man RB’s Tree Service, we use advanced equipment, including cranes when necessary, to safely dismantle compromised trees without risking surrounding homes or property. Our crews are trained to handle:
- Complex removals
- Trees near homes
- Large decayed trunks
- Power-line-adjacent hazards
- Emergency storm removals
This is one job where DIY attempts are genuinely dangerous.
Protect Your Property with a Tree Safety Inspection
Rotten or hollow trees rarely heal on their own. Early detection is the best way to prevent property damage or safety hazards.
If you’ve noticed signs of decay or you’re just unsure about the health of a tree, Ole Man RB’s Tree Service can provide a fast, professional evaluation.
We provide:
✔ Tree health assessments
✔ Hazard evaluations
✔ Preventive pruning
✔ Expert tree removal
✔ Emergency storm cleanups
Your trees may be hiding risks. We’ll help you find them before they become emergencies.
Need tree removal or a safety inspection?
Contact Ole Man RB’s Tree Service today and protect your home before the next Michigan storm hits.
