(WWLP) – When wet snow piles onto the branches or the winds are high, it can cause trees to fall onto the roadways, even on homes.

Some trees and branches bring down power lines, plunging thousands of homes into darkness across the region.

That’s why it’s important to have any weak trees taken down before winter’s worst.

So, how can you tell if your tree needs to come down?

Look for splits or cracks.

Another good thing to look at, cavities or dead branches on the trees.