Florida’s heat, storms, and sandy soil put stress on trees. In Brevard County, even mature, healthy-looking trees can experience underground damage from construction, flooding, compaction, or disease. These injuries disrupt the tree from the roots up.

Failing to address these early warning signs leads to instability, poor growth, or complete failure. The following guide highlights the five warning signs of tree root damage and how to handle it with care and confidence.

1. Sudden Leaning or Shifting

A sudden lean often signals serious root trouble. In Brevard County, this shift usually follows hurricanes or tropical storms that soak the ground and hammer trees with strong winds.

Roots lose their hold in the saturated soil, shift out of place, or break away from the surrounding ground. As a result, the tree leans to one side, sometimes dramatically.

If you notice a previously upright tree beginning to tilt, act quickly. Even a slight lean can indicate a compromised root system.

Trees rely on a strong, deep root network for anchorage. When that support weakens, the risk of tree failure rises, especially during the next storm.

Start by checking the ground around the base. Cracked soil, exposed roots, or lifted turf often reveal movement in the root plate.

Don’t try to stake or straighten a leaning tree on your own. Call a certified arborist to evaluate the tree and determine whether to stabilize it or remove it. In some cases, trees with severe root damage may require a dead tree removal service for safety.

2. Reduced Foliage and Thinning Canopy

Tree roots do more than anchor a tree in the ground. They absorb the water and nutrients the tree needs to survive. When roots suffer damage, the canopy often shows the first signs of stress. You may notice fewer leaves than usual, more dead branches, or an overall thinning of the crown.

In Brevard County’s climate, trees grow vigorously for much of the year. If your tree suddenly appears sparse or off-schedule, root injury likely caused the change.

Construction projects, trenching, or even repeated foot traffic over the root zone can harm delicate feeder roots near the surface. When those roots suffer, the canopy loses its support system.

Look for uneven leaf distribution, early leaf drop, or unusually small leaves. These symptoms often show that the tree fails to absorb enough water and nutrients. The sooner you act, the better the chance of helping the tree recover.

Avoid adding stress through excessive pruning or fertilization. Instead, consult with a local tree care professional who understands Brevard County’s soil types and seasonal challenges. Soil aeration, deep root watering, or organic mulch applications may give the roots space and support to recover.

3. Mushrooms or Fungal Growth Near the Base

Fungi feed on decay. When mushrooms pop up around the base of a tree or along exposed roots, it often signals rot below the surface. In our humid Florida environment, fungal growth spreads quickly after periods of rain, especially when construction damage, soil compaction, or disease weakens a tree’s root system.

Not all mushrooms signal a death sentence, but many types clearly warn of root damage. If clusters of shelf fungi or conks grow on the trunk, the situation likely goes deeper than it appears. These fungi often feed on decaying woody roots or heart rot that begins underground.

Another clear sign involves spongy or discolored soil near the trunk. That softness could indicate active decomposition. Once root decay begins, it spreads easily through the moisture-rich environment and weakens the structural integrity of the entire tree.

Keep people and pets away from the area until a certified arborist can inspect the tree.

Root rot tends to affect structural roots that anchor the tree, and in extreme cases, trees can fall without much warning. The right care plan depends on the tree species, the extent of decay, and the tree’s location on your property.

4. Cracked or Lifting Soil Around the Root Zone

Healthy roots anchor the tree firmly underground. But when injury affects them, the root plate often shifts or rises, especially during storms or after irrigation. Soil around the base may lift, crack, or bulge. You might also notice small sinkholes where dead roots leave gaps, and the ground begins to settle.

In Brevard County, where sandy soil drains fast, lifting soil may go unnoticed at first. But look more closely after strong storms or if heavy equipment recently crossed your property. Any disruption in the root zone can create air pockets or harm the structural roots that hold the tree in place.

Cracks in the soil often signal that strain or partial breaks affect the root system. As roots pull away from the surrounding ground, the tree loses stability.

Avoid walking or placing weight near the damaged area. Instead, mark it off and get in touch with a tree care expert.

If the roots lift too much, you may need to brace or remove the tree. In other cases, targeted soil work and careful irrigation can restore site balance and support root regrowth.

5. Bark Peeling or Base Damage

Root damage doesn’t always stay underground. When feeder or structural roots suffer trauma, whether from lawn mowers, construction, or animals, the trunk and lower bark often show the effects. You may notice bark cracking, flaking, or peeling around the base of the tree. In some cases, sections of the trunk may look sunken or soft.

In Florida’s environment, where many trees grow with shallow root systems, the transition zone between trunk and roots (the root flare) reacts sensitively to stress. Damage in this zone often triggers infection or attracts insects, which speed up the tree’s decline.

Some homeowners unknowingly cause this damage by over-mulching, weed-whacking too close to the trunk, or running irrigation too frequently. These habits can trap moisture, weaken the bark, and expose the roots to fungus or decay.

To prevent further damage, remove excess mulch and avoid using string trimmers or heavy equipment near tree bases. Keep a buffer zone around each tree and schedule regular inspections, especially if the bark shows signs of decay. Catching these signs early gives you a much better chance of saving the tree.

Protect Your Trees From the Ground Up

Strong roots keep trees healthy. When the root system weakens, the entire tree struggles, from the leaves and bark to its ability to stay upright. Florida’s unique climate adds pressure by placing extra stress on already sensitive root zones. That’s why you need to recognize the five warning signs of tree root damage and know how to handle each one.

If you see leaning trees, fungus, bark decay, or canopy thinning, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with a certified arborist from Kevin’s Tree Service who understands Brevard County’s trees, soil, and seasonal risks. With the right care, you can often restore tree health or take responsible steps to remove a hazardous tree before it becomes a danger.