Tree experts say that so-called “zombie trees” are located all across New Jersey and could pose a danger to homes this winter.

So just what is a zombie tree?

“It's a tree that could appear healthy and structurally sound, but it would have defects in it that would fail during a storm,” says certified arborist Robert O’Rourke.

O’Rourke says that there are some signs homeowners can look for to see if trees on their property have the potential to fall during bad weather.

“We've got codominant main trunks down here that have a weak point of attachment. Those are areas where we'd see limbs…split out. We have past storm damage up in the tree with branches that are hanging up there that could fall at any time,” he says.

And what is the best course of action if one does encounter a zombie tree?

“The best course of action is to have a certified arborist or licensed tree expert come out and evaluate the tree,” says O’Rourke.

Arborists say that some zombie trees can still produce full leaf cover in the spring, despite being nearly dead.