The Hidden Danger in Your Yard: How Tree Decay Nearly Led to Disaster

Last week, our team at Ecopro Outdoor Solutions responded to a call that could have ended very differently. At first glance, the tree standing near a home in Sarasota appeared sturdy and majestic—until we took a closer look. What we discovered beneath the bark was a textbook example of advanced internal decay. This massive tree had been hollowing out from the inside, weakening its structural integrity and posing a serious threat to the property—and more importantly, to the lives of those who lived there.

Take a look at these photos from the removal:

• A large hollow cavity rotted through the heart of the trunk (Image 1).
• A crane lift was required to safely extract the tree due to its immense size and dangerous lean (Image 2).
• It had been towering dangerously close to the home and power lines (Image 3).

Had this tree failed during a storm or strong wind, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

What Causes Tree Decay Like This?

Tree decay is often a slow and silent process, caused by a combination of:

• Fungal infections that take hold in wounded or aging trees
• Insect damage and boring pests that introduce rot
• Improper pruning or mechanical damage (from lawn equipment or vehicles)
• Excess moisture or poor drainage at the tree base

Once internal rot sets in, trees can appear healthy from the outside—even producing leaves and new growth—while structurally, they’re on the brink of collapse.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Spotting the signs early can make all the difference. Look out for:

• Mushrooms or fungal growth at the base or on the trunk
• Large dead branches or dieback in the canopy
• Cracks or cavities in the trunk
• Bark falling off or “mushy” areas on the wood
• Excessive leaning, especially toward structures or walkways

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time for a professional assessment.

Protect Your Home & Family – Get a Tree Health Check

At Ecopro Outdoor Solutions, we’re not just here to remove trees—we’re here to protect ecosystems, properties, and people.

Our team is led by Luc, a certified member of the International Society of Arboriculture, which means we’re trained to evaluate trees with an expert eye and a deep understanding of tree biology. We provide:

• Honest evaluations of your tree’s health
• Safe and strategic removal of hazardous trees
• Guidance on replacing trees with better-suited, functional, and ecologically beneficial species

Don’t wait for disaster to strike. We offer FREE quotes—just give us a call at (941) 352-2288 or visit us at www.ecoprooutdoor.com.

Trees are vital, but when they become unstable, they can pose a real danger. What happened at this Sarasota home could easily happen elsewhere. If you have mature trees near your home, especially ones leaning or showing signs of decay, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.

Call Ecopro Outdoor Solutions today—because your safety, and the health of your landscape, is worth it.