Trees add beauty and value to any property, but they can also pose risks when they’re damaged, diseased, or structurally unstable. That’s why it’s important to know how to identify tree removal needs before serious problems arise. Whether it’s due to storm damage, decay, or structural weakness, understanding the warning signs helps you act early and keep your home or business safe.
At Boom Tree Services LLC, we help homeowners make informed decisions about the trees on their property. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common indicators that a tree may need to come down, along with tips to recognize when it’s time to call in the pros.
Signs a Tree Needs to Be Removed
One of the first signs a tree needs to be removed is the presence of large dead branches, especially those hanging over structures or walkways. These limbs can fall without warning and cause damage or injury. You should also pay attention to trees that are losing bark, have hollow trunks, or show large cracks. These structural issues are often hidden until the damage is extensive, and ignoring them can lead to more costly consequences.
If you’re unsure when a tree should be removed, look at its base. Mushrooms growing around the roots or a noticeable lean can suggest internal decay or instability. In many cases, roots that are lifting out of the ground or surrounded by soft, sunken soil are a red flag that the tree may be failing. These are clear signs that the tree could be dangerous and may need professional removal. For expert insight, check out our service page on tree removal in Huntsville, AL.
How to Tell if a Tree Is Dangerous
It’s not always obvious if a tree poses a risk. However, there are some subtle warning signs to be aware of. For example, if the tree leans more than 15 degrees from vertical and wasn’t always that way, it may be unstable. A sudden lean can be caused by root damage or heavy winds, and it can quickly lead to falling hazards.
Other danger signs include large limbs that don’t produce leaves during the growing season, as well as visible rot, fungus, or insect infestations. These conditions weaken the tree from the inside and reduce its ability to withstand storms. If you ever wonder how to tell if a tree is dangerous, trust your instincts—if something looks or feels off, it’s worth having it checked out.
Tree Damage After Storm and Disease Signs
Severe weather is one of the leading causes of unexpected tree failures. After strong winds, heavy rain, or snow, inspect your trees closely. Look for broken limbs, hanging branches, or torn bark. These issues may not kill a tree immediately, but they open the door for pests and rot to set in. Tree damage after a storm is one of the top reasons we’re called out for emergency assessments and safety checks.
In addition to physical damage, watch for tree disease signs like wilting leaves, premature leaf drop, discolored bark, or sticky residue from insect activity. Disease weakens the tree’s immune system and makes it more vulnerable to failure. Once disease spreads beyond a certain point, removal is often the safest option for your property and surrounding trees. For a closer look at common symptoms, read our blog on the signs of a dying tree.
Tree Removal Checklist for Property Owners
If you’re trying to decide whether to move forward with removal, follow this basic tree removal checklist. First, assess the tree’s overall health. A tree that’s more than 50% damaged or decayed is usually considered beyond saving. Next, evaluate the location. Trees that are too close to structures, power lines, or driveways pose higher risks. Also, check the soil—heaving, cracking, or fungus around the roots may mean internal failure.
Ask yourself if the tree still serves a purpose, such as providing shade or privacy. If the risks outweigh the benefits, it may be time to let it go. Finally, consider how your property will be affected by the removal. Will it open space for new growth? Will it prevent future safety concerns? These are important points to weigh before making a decision.
FAQs – How to Identify Tree Removal Needs
When should a tree be removed?
A tree should be removed when it is dead, severely damaged, leaning dangerously, or showing signs of disease and decay. If the tree threatens your home, utility lines, or people nearby, it’s best to take action sooner rather than later.
How can I tell if a tree is dying?
You may notice a lack of leaves, large dead limbs, peeling bark, and soft spots on the trunk. Fungus around the roots and poor growth during the season are also signs the tree may be dying and not worth saving.
Is a leaning tree always dangerous?
Not always, but it depends on how much the tree is leaning and whether it has shifted recently. Tree leaning danger increases when the lean is sudden or accompanied by exposed roots or cracked soil. In those cases, the tree could fall without warning.
Contact Boom Tree Services LLC today to schedule a safety check and protect your property.
Need Help Deciding If a Tree Should Be Removed?
Knowing how to identify tree removal needs isn’t always easy, but it’s important for keeping your property safe. If you’re unsure about a tree’s condition or notice any of the signs listed above, Boom Tree Services LLC is here to help. We offer expert evaluations, emergency removal, and tree health services across the region.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you make the right call.