Move over, movie monsters — there’s a far quieter (and heavier) zombie lurking right in your backyard: "zombie trees."

From the outside, they look alive — they might even have plenty of leaves — but they're dying or dead on the inside. Oftentimes they are rotting or partially hollow on the inside, making it much easier for branches or the entire tree to fall, especially when winter storms arrive. Depending on where the "zombie tree" is located in your yard, it could pose a threat to you or your property.

Warning signs

Fall is the perfect time to check your trees for any signs of the infection, because there are fewer leaves getting in the way. Here's what to look for:

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• Cracks or cavities in the trunk
• Animals living inside the trunk
• Rotting wood
• Dead branches
• Mushrooms on the trunk or near the base of the tree
• Sounds of wood rubbing together or creaking

Who you gon' call?

Before you grab a chainsaw or baseball bat, call a certified arborist for an inspection if you suspect one of your trees may be a "zombie." They may recommend removing the tree so it doesn't hurt you or damage your home or vehicle.

Don’t put it off — scheduling an arborist inspection and then a tree removal takes time, and you'll want to have it taken care of before winter storms hit. Snow, ice and wind can cause weakened branches or entire undead trees to fall.