How to Tell If a Tree Needs to Be Removed

Written By Halie Hauser

Trees are an essential part of your landscape, offering beauty, shade, and even boosting property value. But sometimes, a tree that once seemed sturdy becomes a safety risk. Whether due to disease, damage, or age, knowing when it’s time to remove a tree is crucial—not just for aesthetics but for your safety and property’s well-being.

So, how can you tell when it’s time to say goodbye? Here’s what to look for.

The Tree Is Dead or Dying

A dead tree is more than just an eyesore—it’s a hazard. Without healthy roots and structural integrity, a dead tree is prone to falling, especially in storms or high winds. Here’s how to tell if your tree is past its prime:

  • No Leaves (Out of Season) – If your tree isn’t producing leaves in spring or summer, that’s a red flag.

  • Brittle Bark & Branches – Snap a twig. A healthy one will be flexible and green inside, while a dead one will snap easily and be dry throughout.

  • Fungal Growth – Mushrooms or fungi at the base can indicate internal decay.

What to Do: If a tree is completely dead, removal is usually the safest option.

Significant Leaning or Unstable Roots

A slight lean isn’t necessarily a problem—many trees grow at an angle. But if your tree suddenly starts leaning, or if the roots are lifting out of the ground, that’s a serious stability issue.

Signs of an Unsafe Leaning Tree:

  • The lean is recent (after a storm or strong winds)

  • The lean is greater than 15 degrees

  • The roots are exposed or lifting

What to Do: If the tree is leaning toward your home, driveway, or play area, call a tree service ASAP. Trees with compromised roots are at risk of falling.

Major Trunk Damage or Cracks

A tree’s trunk is like its backbone—if it’s weak, the entire structure is compromised. Deep cracks, cavities, or peeling bark could mean internal decay.

Trunk Trouble Signs:

  • Vertical cracks (especially large ones)

  • Hollow sections inside the trunk

  • Large areas of missing bark (a sign of disease or stress)

What to Do: A tree with one major crack might be saved, but multiple cracks usually mean removal is necessary.

Large Dead Branches (Especially Over High-Traffic Areas)

If you notice large dead or broken branches, especially over your house, driveway, or outdoor space, they need attention. Weak branches can snap without warning, causing property damage or injury.

When to Worry About Dead Branches:

  • They’re large and hanging over your home or walkway

  • They keep breaking off, even in mild weather

  • They show no signs of new growth in spring

What to Do: A tree service can assess whether trimming is enough or if the whole tree is at risk.

Signs of Disease or Infestation

Trees, like people, can get sick. Some illnesses are treatable, but others can weaken a tree beyond saving. Pests and diseases can cause trees to decay from the inside out.

Symptoms of a Sick Tree:

  • Leaves that wilt, yellow, or fall off prematurely

  • Holes in the trunk from boring insects (like termites or beetles)

  • White or black fungal growth

  • Sticky sap or oozing wounds on the bark

What to Do: If the disease has spread throughout the tree, removal might be the safest choice to prevent it from infecting nearby trees.

The Tree Is Too Close to Your Home or Power Lines

Sometimes, a tree isn’t unhealthy—it’s just in a risky location. If its branches are too close to power lines, your home, or structures, it could lead to damage in storms or high winds.

Risks of Poor Placement:

  • Roots can damage underground pipes or foundations

  • Branches near power lines can cause outages or fire hazards

  • Growing too close to a house can lead to roof damage

What to Do: If trimming isn’t enough to create safe clearance, full removal might be the best long-term solution.

Storm Damage That Can’t Be Repaired

North Carolina storms can take a toll on trees, leaving them cracked, split, or half-uprooted. While some storm-damaged trees can recover, severely split or uprooted trees are often beyond saving.

When Storm Damage Means Removal:

  • The tree is split down the middle

  • A large portion of the root system is exposed or torn

  • Branches are snapped and unstable

What to Do: If the damage is extensive, it’s safer to remove the tree before the next storm causes it to collapse.

Not Sure? Call a Professional Tree Service

Trees add value, shade, and beauty to your property, but when they become a safety risk, removal is the responsible choice. If you're unsure whether a tree needs to go, a professional assessment can help you make the right decision.

Need a tree evaluated? Contact Founders Tree Co. for an expert assessment—because keeping your property safe shouldn’t be a guessing game.

Halie Hauser