7 Warning Signs Your Tree Needs to Be Removed
Trees make your yard look great. But a sick or damaged tree can be dangerous. It can fall on your house, your car, or even a person. Knowing when to remove a tree can save you a lot of trouble. Here are 7 signs it is time to call a tree removal company.
1. Big Dead Branches at the Top
Dead branches can fall without any warning. If you see large dead branches hanging over your home, driveway, or yard, that is a problem. If more than a quarter of the tree’s branches look dead, the whole tree may be in trouble.
2. The Trunk Is Hollow or Rotting
A hollow trunk is a big red flag. A tree with a lot of rot inside cannot hold itself up in strong wind or heavy snow. Look for mushrooms growing at the base — that is a sign of rot inside. Also watch for soft spots or crumbling wood on the trunk.
3. The Tree Is Leaning
Some trees grow at a slight angle, and that is fine. But if a tree has suddenly started leaning, or is leaning toward your house, that is a warning sign. A sudden lean means the roots may be giving out. That tree could fall.
4. Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
Deep cracks in the trunk mean the tree is structurally weak. These are called “splits” and they are very dangerous. A tree with a big split can break apart during a storm — sometimes even on a calm day.
5. Roots Are Damaged or Lifting
If the roots near the base of the tree are broken, cut, or lifting out of the ground, the tree may not be stable anymore. Construction, digging, or disease can all damage roots. A tree without healthy roots is a falling risk.
6. The Tree Has a Bad Disease
Some tree diseases cannot be fixed. Oak wilt, for example, can kill a red oak in just a few weeks. If a tree is too far gone from disease, removal is often the safest and kindest option. Leaving a dying tree standing can also spread the disease to nearby trees.
7. The Tree Is Growing in the Wrong Place
Sometimes a tree just ends up in a bad spot. Maybe it is growing into your foundation, pushing up your sidewalk, or getting too close to power lines. If a tree is causing damage to your home or property, removal may make more sense than fighting it every year.
When in Doubt, Get a Professional Opinion
Not every sick-looking tree needs to come down. And not every tree that looks fine is actually safe. An ISA-certified arborist can look at your tree and give you an honest answer. We serve Madison and Dane County and offer free estimates. Give us a call — we are happy to help.