Most of the time, a tree is an asset — shade, beauty, a little bump in your home's value. But every tree has a lifespan, and a tree that's failing can go from asset to serious hazard quietly, over a season or two, until one windy night it becomes a very expensive problem. Here's how to tell when it's time to call somebody before nature makes the decision for you.
Bare branches when everything else has leafed out, bark falling off in sheets, no new growth in spring — these are signs the tree is on its way out. A dead tree doesn't get safer with time. It gets more brittle and unpredictable, and around here it'll eventually meet a storm.
Plenty of trees grow at an angle and are perfectly stable. The one to worry about is a tree that has recently started leaning, especially if you can see the soil heaving or roots lifting on one side. That often means the root system is failing, and that tree is telling you it wants to come down.
Deep cracks, splits, or a seam running down the trunk are structural red flags. The same goes for weak, V-shaped joints where two big stems meet — those are notorious for splitting apart in wind.
Large dead limbs hanging over your roof, driveway, or play area are an accident waiting to happen. Sometimes the tree itself is fine and just needs those limbs removed — good trimming can save a tree — but it needs to be dealt with either way.
Mushrooms growing at the base or on the trunk often mean the wood is rotting from the inside. A hollow-sounding trunk or visible cavities tell the same story. A tree can stand for years while quietly rotting out, then fail all at once.
Roots lifting your driveway, cracking the foundation, or invading your plumbing are a sign the tree's in the wrong spot. Sometimes that's a removal conversation, especially if the damage is ongoing.
A tree that's grown into the power lines or is scraping the side of your house is a problem that only gets worse. These situations need a professional — never try to deal with anything near a power line yourself.
You don't have to figure this out alone. If a tree in your yard is giving you a bad feeling, that instinct is usually worth listening to. We'll come take a look for free and give you an honest opinion — sometimes that's "it needs to go," and sometimes it's "that tree's fine, save your money." Call (850) 000-0000 or learn more on our tree removal page.
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