Top 5 Signs It's Time to Consider Tree Removal

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Trees are the heroes of our landscapes ecologically - they provide shade, beauty, habitat, and food, they prevent soil erosion and improve air quality. However, in many trees’ lives comes a point when their condition may threaten your property or safety. Being able to know when a tree needs to be removed can save hundreds to thousands of dollars, and can also save lives. Here are the top signs that it might be time to call us and consider tree removal.

Sign 1: Visible Signs of Decay or Disease

One of the most straightforward signs a tree might need to go is visible signs of decay or disease. These can manifest in several ways:

Fungal Growth and Mushroom Conks

Spotting mushrooms or fungal growth on any part of a tree is a clear sign of internal decay or decline. Trees have many natural defense mechanisms against fungi, so when mushrooms start to colonize a section of the tree, it’s usually an indicator that the internal systems are struggling or have stopped completely. These fungi often feed on decaying wood, signaling that the tree’s structural integrity might be compromised. Mushrooms, conks, or other unusual growths indicate that the tree could be rotting from the inside out. We can determine the extent of the damage and advise if removal is necessary.

Dead or Dying Branches

Dead branches are another big red flag. If you see that branches are brittle, lacking leaves, have turned brown or orange, or break off easily, this could suggest a more significant problem. Trees are resilient and can often repair minor issues, but extensive dead or dying branches usually point to an underlying health problem(s). These branches not only detract from the tree’s appearance and aesthetic appeal but also pose a risk of falling.

Sign 2: The Tree is Leaning Dangerously

Understanding Leaning Trees

Trees naturally lean towards the sun or with the direction of the wind, but if you notice a tree leaning more than usual or at an alarming angle, it could be very serious. A tree that has suddenly started leaning or has been leaning at an extreme angle may be showing signs of instability and root eruption. While some lean can be normal for older or larger trees, significant or rapid leaning often suggests that the tree’s root system is compromised. This is common after wind storms and sometimes floods. This could be due to soil erosion, root damage, or other factors that affect the tree’s balance.

Assessing the Risk

To assess the risk, check if the lean is accompanied by cracks in the soil or around the base of the tree. An arborist can examine the roots, soil conditions, and overall tree health to determine if the lean poses a threat. If the tree is leaning dangerously towards structures, walkways, or power lines, removal might be the safest option to prevent potential damage or accidents. Arborists can help understand the angle at which it will fall and can correct this if going with removal.

Sign 3: Extensive Root Damage

Roots can extend for hundreds of feet and are crucial for a tree’s stability. Lots of things can impact the roots of a tree, like soil compaction, improper watering, construction, changes in soil pH, and a host of bugs and diseases.

Signs of Root Damage

Look for signs like upheaved soil, exposed roots, or large cracks in the ground around the base of the tree. It can also be common to see rotting around the base of a tree where the trunk meets the roots.

Impact on Tree Stability

The impact of root damage on tree stability is significant. Without a strong root system, a tree becomes less stable and more prone to falling, especially during storms or high winds. If you notice extensive root damage, it’s essential to consult with us to evaluate whether the tree can be saved or if removal is the best course of action to ensure safety.

Can Damaged Tree Roots Recover?

The true answer to this question, like many things, is that it depends. Recovery largely depends on the extent of the damage, the kind of damage, the tree species, and how quickly the issue is addressed. If the roots have been mildly disturbed, a tree can often recover with proper care and time. But if a significant portion of the root system is damaged or severed, the tree may struggle to regain its health, leading to poor growth, increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, or even eventual decline. Many times because roots are below the surface, these kinds of issues go unnoticed until it’s too late. If you have any questions about your tree roots, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Sign 4: Tree is Too Close to Structures

One of the clearest signs that it might be time to consider tree removal is when a tree is growing too close to structures like your home, garage, or a power line. This is one of the sadder instances of tree removal as many times trees can be healthy or have several more years in them, but the risk of safety or property destruction outweighs the benefits. While a tree’s proximity to buildings might not seem alarming at first, it can lead to significant problems if left unchecked.

Proximity to Buildings and Power Lines

Trees planted too close to buildings or power lines pose several risks. As trees grow, their branches can extend over roofs, causing leaves and debris to accumulate in gutters, leading to blockages and water damage. Overhanging branches can scrape against the siding or windows, causing damage during storms or windy conditions.

Roots from a tree that is too close to your home can also cause problems. Large roots can infiltrate and crack foundations, disrupt underground utilities, and cause sidewalks or driveways to buckle. These issues can lead to costly repairs and potentially compromise the structural integrity of your site.

When it comes to power lines, the situation becomes even more critical. Trees that grow into power lines can cause power outages and electrical fires. If a tree is too close to a power line, it’s critical to consult with a professional who can assess the situation and determine the necessary safety measures if removal is necessary.

When Removal is Necessary

Deciding when to remove a tree that’s too close to structures requires careful consideration and is one of the harder parts of our job. If pruning or trimming can resolve the issue, that may be a preferable first step. In cases where the tree’s roots are already damaging the foundation or the branches pose a continual risk to power lines, removal might be the safest option.

Sign 5: The Tree is Dead or Dying

A dead or dying tree is another clear indicator. While it can be difficult for us and for you to say goodbye to a beloved tree, keeping it around can sometimes lead to significant hazards.

How to Identify a Dead Tree

When identifying a tree's health, there are several critical signs to watch for. These include a lack of leaves during the growing season, brittle or peeling bark, and visible decay, such as fungi growing on the trunk. Dead branches, known as “widow-makers,” can also be a sign of a tree in decline. These branches are particularly dangerous because they can fall without warning.

Another method to determine if a tree is dead is the “scratch test.” Simply scrape away a small portion of the bark to see if the inner layer (cambium) is green and moist. If it’s brown and dry, the tree may be dead or dying.

Risks of Keeping a Dead Tree

Keeping a dead tree on your property poses several risks. Dead trees are more likely to fall or drop branches, especially during storms or high winds, potentially causing injury to people, pets, or property. They also attract pests, such as termites or carpenter ants, which can spread to other parts of your yard or home.

Moreover, dead trees can negatively impact the aesthetic value of your property, reducing curb appeal and potentially lowering your home’s value. For these reasons, it’s often best to remove dead trees promptly to avoid potential hazards and maintain the health and safety of your landscape.

The Silver Lining

In a forest-like setting, when a tree is ready to go they typically fall over and start to decay. New saplings take root, and the tree often becomes a nursing log while it continues to rot and add organic matter to the forest floor (among many other ecological benefits). In urban or suburban settings where a tree must be removed, a sustainable option can be to have the tree chipped into smaller pieces and the wood chips laid out either in the location where the tree was removed or somewhere else on the property such as a garden or orchard. This is a beautiful way to mimic nature and speed up the process of decay, allowing the chips to immediately start building soil quality. As a sustainable arborist, this is one of our favorite recommendations when a tree needs to be removed. Give us a call today if you’re considering tree removal!