Winter weather in the Triangle can turn small tree problems into serious hazards overnight. High winds, freezing rain, and saturated soil often reveal weaknesses that weren’t noticeable during warmer months. When a tree becomes unstable, the risk of damage—or injury—rises fast.

If a tree looks questionable after a storm, don’t wait to find out the hard way. Here are five signs it needs emergency attention right now.

1. A Sudden Lean or Shift in the Trunk

A tree that was straight yesterday but leans today is a major red flag. Winter storms in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and the Triangle can loosen soil or weaken root systems, especially after heavy rain.

Watch for:

• Newly raised or cracked soil around the base
• Exposed or heaving roots
• A trunk that appears twisted or shifted
• Leaning toward a home, driveway, sidewalk, or power lines

Any lean that develops suddenly should be treated as an emergency. These trees can fall without warning, especially during winter wind gusts or freezing rain. Learn how our team safely removes leaning or unstable trees before they fall by visiting our Residential Tree Removal page.

Need help to understand signs of tree decline? See NC State Extension’s guidance on how to spot sick or stressed trees before small issues become big hazards.

2. Cracked or Splitting Trunks and Branches

Winter weather often exposes structural weaknesses. Cracks and splits develop when strong winds, ice, or the weight of snow force limbs beyond what they can support.

Signs of dangerous structural damage include:

• A long vertical crack along the trunk
• Multiple fractures in major limbs
• Bark separation
• Sudden splitting noises after a storm

Winter storms in the Triangle regularly cause this type of damage, and trees with cracked trunks often fail unexpectedly; sometimes hours or days after the storm passes.

Our Tree Trimming Services are for strategic trimming to prevent splits and reduce storm risks.

3. Uprooted or Heaving Roots

Saturated winter soil can cause trees to shift or uproot, especially in areas with clay-heavy soil like much of Wake County.

Look for:

• Soil lifted on one side of the tree
• Newly exposed roots
• A tilted or “listing” appearance
• Tree movement during light wind

Even if the tree is still standing, uprooted roots mean it is no longer stable. These trees commonly collapse in the next storm or even during mild breezes.

See how our team restores your yard after emergency removals by visiting our Stump Grinding Services page.

4. Hanging Limbs After a Storm

Broken or partially detached limbs—often called “hangers”—pose one of the most dangerous winter tree risks. Snow and ice load frequently snap branches but leave them caught in the canopy.

These branches can fall:

• When ice melts
• During the next wind gust
• Under their own weight
• When someone walks or parks underneath

Removing a hung branch often requires specialized equipment or crane support, especially on larger trees common throughout the Triangle.

For safety guidance, read the Tree Care Industry Association’s advice on cleaning up storm damaged trees and the dangers of hanging limbs.

5. Nearby Property Damage or Power Line Contact

If a tree or limb has landed on a roof, fence, car, or power line, treat it as a true emergency.

Never attempt to move a fallen tree yourself, especially if it’s near electrical lines. Even light contact with wires can be deadly, and unstable trunks can shift without warning.

You can also review Duke Energy’s safety rules around damaged power lines to understand why approaching them is unsafe.

Situations that require immediate help include:

• A tree resting on a home or garage
• A fallen tree blocking driveways or roads
• Limbs touching or pulling on power lines
• Winter storm debris too large or unsafe to remove

Visit our Commercial Services page to see how we help property managers, HOAs, and businesses with emergency storm response.

FAQs: What to Do in a Tree Emergency

Q: How soon should I call after spotting a leaning tree?

Immediately. Leaning trees can fall without warning, especially after rain, ice, or high winds.

Q: Will my insurance cover emergency tree removal?

Most policies cover removal if a tree damages a structure, but preventive removal is rarely included. Always review your policy for details.

Q: Can A+ Tree & Crane handle after-hours emergencies?

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency tree removal across Raleigh and the Triangle, including storm damage, fallen trees, and dangerous limb removal.

Don’t Wait for the Worst-Case Scenario

Even healthy trees can become unstable after severe winter weather. Spotting the signs early—and acting quickly—can prevent serious damage to your home or property.

If you notice any of these five warning signs, A+ Tree & Crane is ready with fast, reliable emergency tree removal in Raleigh, NC and throughout the Triangle.

Schedule an inspection to protect your home and family.