Signs Your Tree Needs Removal

Spring and summer storms can leave even the sturdiest trees vulnerable. Recognizing when a tree poses a hazard is crucial for protecting your property, your landscape’s health, and everyone who enjoys it. Below are the most common warning signs that it’s time to consider professional tree removal.

1. Extensive Dead or Dying Branches

Trees naturally shed some branches, but if you notice large sections of dead wood:

• Branches failing to leaf out in spring

• Bark peeling or discolored limbs

• Piles of fallen, brittle branches beneath the canopy

Those are clear indicators that the tree’s health is in serious decline and removal may be safer than attempting to nurse it back to health.

2. Cracks, Splits, or Deep Cankers in the Trunk

Structural damage can compromise a tree’s integrity:

• Vertical or horizontal cracks running deep into the wood

• Bark that’s peeling away around a fissure

• Cankers (sunken, diseased areas) that spread year after year

These defects often signal internal rot or disease, increasing the risk of sudden failure.

3. Significant Lean or Root Uplift

A tree that’s shifting from its original vertical posture can be a ticking time bomb:

• Noticeable lean that worsens after storms

• Roots visibly lifting or heaving soil

• Exposed or damaged root flare

When the support system is compromised, even a moderate wind can topple the tree.

4. Fungus, Mushrooms, or Bracket Fungi at the Base

Fungal growth on or around your tree is not just unsightly—it’s a red flag:

• Mushrooms or shelf fungi sprouting from the trunk or roots

• Soft, spongy wood underfoot when you probe with a stick

• Foul odors emanating from the base

Decay fungi feed on weakened wood and accelerate structural failure.

5. Severe Pest Infestations

Bark beetles, borers, and other wood-destroying insects can devastate a healthy tree:

• Sawdust-like frass around the trunk or root zone

• Galleries (tunnels) visible under the bark

• Large sections of canopy thinning rapidly

When pests overwhelm natural defenses, removal may be the only effective solution.

6. Repeated Storm Damage

One storm can be an anomaly, but multiple storm events leave lasting scars:

• Large limbs broken off, leaving jagged stubs.

• Tears in the bark that expose heartwood

• Weakly attached secondary branches prone to failure

Repeated structural injuries weaken the overall stability, making future breakages more likely.

Next Steps: Protect Your Property and Peace of Mind

When you observe any of these warning signs, don’t delay. At Guilmer Tree Services, our experts evaluate each situation and recommend the safest, most cost-effective solution for your landscape.

👉 Request a free estimate for prompt, obligation-free assessment.

💬 Speak with a certified arborist to discuss your concerns and explore alternatives.