After trees fell across San Diego County during a holiday storm, here’s how to spot unstable trees

After trees fell across San Diego County during a holiday storm, experts say residents can protect themselves by learning to identify at-risk trees.

SAN DIEGO — Hundreds of trees fell across San Diego County last week during heavy rain and winds, prompting experts to warn residents about the warning signs that indicate a tree could be at risk of falling. A horticulturalist with 30 years of experience shared key indicators to watch for to help prevent injuries and property damage.

During the recent storms, a Torrey Pine tree fell in Cardiff and crushed a car, while a large tree that fell in City Heights killed a man. Despite the widespread damage, experts say residents can protect themselves by learning to identify at-risk trees before they become dangerous.

David Ross, a horticulturist, outlined several warning signs that indicate a tree may be unstable. “I would look for a tree that’s leaning, I would look for cracks in the ground around the root system that means that it’s moving,” said David Ross.

Ross also emphasized the importance of monitoring a tree’s overall health. “Trees that don’t have full leaf structures, watch for bugs, cause bugs may not kill a tree, but they will weaken it,” said David Ross.

Beyond general signs of decay, the structure of a tree’s branches matters significantly. “Narrow crotch angles, where this angle is very narrow, are generally weaker and those are the ones I’d watch out for, to show you how weak they are they just [are] easy to pull apart,” said David Ross.

If a tree appears to be leaning, Ross recommends hiring a professional to trim branches strategically. “Start by trimming the side that it’s leaning towards to loosen up or lighten up that side and try to center it better,” said David Ross.

Construction work around a tree’s base can also compromise its stability. Homeowners should evaluate whether recent improvements like sidewalks, irrigation systems, or driveways may have damaged the root system.

“I would contact a certified arborist, not just a tree trimmer, but a certified arborist to make sure somebody knowledgeable comes out and looks at the tree and makes recommendations,” said David Ross.

Ross noted that pine and eucalyptus trees have been particularly prone to falling recently, though all trees are at risk if not properly maintained.

Homeowners should also review their insurance policies regarding tree damage. “Trees falling over may very well be an act of god so you may not be protected [covered], so that’s definitely something you’re gonna want to know,” said David Ross.