It can be incredibly hard to consider saying goodbye to a tree that’s been standing tall on your property for as long as you can remember. However, in some cases, it’s absolutely necessary. Damaged, dying, and dead trees pose a significant risk to your home, your property, and, most importantly, the safety of your family and neighbors.
Since a compromised tree can come down without warning, pulled by gravity or pushed by the next strong gust of wind, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of a hazardous tree. In this way, you can take prompt action and protect your loved ones.
Of course, it’s always best to have your tree inspected by a professional any time you suspect something is wrong. So, don’t wait to call a tree care company like Blue Pine Works for a comprehensive tree risk assessment.
More Than 30% of the Tree’s Canopy Is Damaged
One of the most apparent signs that a tree is in severe decline is the state of its canopy. Take a step back and look at the tree as a whole. Do you see a significant number of dead branches, particularly concentrated on one side? Is there a lack of leaves or needles on large sections of the tree during the growing season?
While a few dead branches can be normal and are easily pruned, when 30% or more of the tree appears dead, it’s a clear indication that it has lost its battle. A tree in this condition is structurally weak, and its health is unlikely to recover. It will only continue to decay, becoming more unstable and hazardous with each passing season. For this reason, attempting to save a tree in this state is often futile and costly, and removal would be the most practical solution.
The Tree Is Suddenly Leaning
Trees don’t typically grow perfectly straight, and a long-established, gentle lean is not usually a cause for concern. However, a sudden or dramatic lean is a big problem.
If you notice a tree has abruptly shifted its position, especially after a storm with high winds, the root system has likely failed. Since the roots are responsible for holding hundreds of pounds of wood securely in the ground, when they are broken, decayed, or heaving out of the earth, the entire tree is compromised. At this point, it’s no longer a question of if it will fall, but when.
A suddenly leaning tree is an emergency situation and requires immediate attention from a professional tree removal company.
There Are Deep Cracks or Cavities in the Trunk
The trunk is responsible for supporting the immense weight of the tree’s canopy and helps facilitate the transportation of water and nutrients to the leaves. Therefore, any significant structural damage to the trunk should be taken very seriously.
Keep an eye out for deep, vertical cracks that penetrate the bark and extend into the wood. These fissures are a sign of internal decay or structural weakness and often mean the tree is struggling to support itself and may split apart at any moment.
In addition to cracks, you should also watch for the development of cavities (if possible). While some trees can live for years with hollows, a large cavity, especially at the base of the tree, severely undermines the plant’s stability. If more than one-third of the trunk’s interior is hollow or decayed, you will want to have the tree removed to prevent it from becoming a liability.
There’s Evidence of Significant Disease or Pest Infestation
Trees are susceptible to a wide range of diseases and pest infestations that can cause irreversible damage. Signs of disease can include discolored leaves, unusual growths or cankers on the bark, and powdery mildew or fungus. If your tree is being infested by pests, you may see small holes in the bark, sawdust-like material (frass) at the base of the tree, or thinning foliage in the upper canopy.
While some diseases and infestations can be managed if caught early, a severe, widespread problem often means the tree’s health is beyond saving. A certified arborist can help you determine whether plant health care solutions will suffice or if a complete removal is necessary.
Fungi Are Growing on the Trunk
Mushrooms and other fungi that grow directly on the tree’s trunk are often a sign of a serious internal problem, such as internal rot and decay. When you see fungi sprouting from the soil around the base of a tree, it strongly suggests that the roots, the very foundation of the tree, are rotting away. A tree with a decayed root system has no anchor and can topple over unexpectedly, even on a calm day. For this reason, you should have the tree inspected as soon as you notice any fungal growth.
The Tree Is Too Close to a Structure
Sometimes, a tree needs to be removed not because it’s unhealthy, but simply because of its location. A tree that is growing too close to your house, garage, utility lines, or other structures is a disaster waiting to happen.
For example, roots can invade and damage foundations, sidewalks, and septic systems, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. Branches overhanging your roof can fall and cause significant damage, while a complete tree failure could be catastrophic.
Power lines are another major concern altogether. A tree growing into or near power lines creates a serious risk of power outages and even fire. While proactive pruning can sometimes manage the risk, in many cases, especially with fast-growing species, removal is the only permanent solution to protect your property and ensure the safety of your home.
You See Oddly Hanging Branches in the Canopy
The term “widowmaker” is a grim but accurate name for large, dead branches that are detached or broken but still lodged high in the tree’s canopy. These branches are incredibly dangerous because they are unpredictable. They can be dislodged by wind, rain, or even just the shifting of the tree, causing them to plummet to the ground without warning.
A branch weighing hundreds of pounds can cause serious injury or death, as well as significant damage to anything below. If you spot these hazardous limbs in your tree, get them removed by a professional right away. In some cases, if the tree has numerous widowmakers or is generally unhealthy, a full removal may be the safer option.
Need to Remove a Tree? Call Blue Pine Works Today!
Are you seeing any of these alarming signs that your tree needs to be removed? Don’t wait for disaster to strike. The safety of your home and family is too important to leave to chance. Let the experts at Blue Pine Works LLC evaluate your tree.
Our team consists of ISA-certified arborists, meaning we have the proven knowledge and expertise to accurately assess the health and risk of your trees. We are also a TCIA-accredited company, a rigorous credential that demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of safety, ethics, and professionalism in the tree care industry. When you call us for a tree removal service or full land clearing, we will use state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to carefully bring the tree down piece by piece to keep your home and landscape safe.
If a potentially hazardous tree is threatening your peace of mind, contact Blue Pine Works today for a consultation. Our certified professionals will provide the solution you need to get back to enjoying your outdoor space without concern.