Don't Miss Out! Get Up to Select Tree Care Services.
There is something undeniably magical about a tall, full tree standing guard over your home, marking the seasons with changing leaves and providing a backdrop for countless family memories. Because of this deep connection we form with our beloved plants, it can be truly heartbreaking when you notice a dramatic change in your tree’s health.
While removal is often a last resort, sometimes, it may be necessary to protect your family and your property. Our certified arborists at Heartwood Tree Care are here to explain the top signs you need a tree removal right now, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
1. The Tree Is Showing Signs of Severe or Worsening Decay
One of the clearest signs your tree may need to be removed is significant decay. This may present itself as soft, crumbling wood, mushrooms or fungal growth on the trunk, bark that peels away easily, or hollow areas within the trunk.
While smaller areas of rot can sometimes be addressed, advanced decay is a structural problem that cannot be reversed. For example, internal rot could leave the tree unable to withstand storms or heavy winds and may be at risk of falling on your home, garage, or driveway.
2. The Tree Is Leaning More Than Usual
All trees have unique personalities, and some show off their spirit with slight leans or curves that do not compromise their overall structural integrity. However, a sudden or rapidly increasing lean is a major red flag.
A new lean indicates that the tree’s root system may be loosening or failing due to soil erosion, root rot, storm damage, or construction damage to the root zone. If you notice your tree leaning more than usual, this may require emergency tree removal to avoid the risk of collapse.
3. Large, Dead Branches Are Falling Frequently
Every tree sheds a branch from time to time, but frequent or large limb drop is a sign something is seriously wrong. Dead branches, also called “widow-makers,” can fall without warning and hurt people, pets, or structures on your property.
Keep an eye out for these warning signs that your tree’s canopy is in danger, and call our certified arborists right away:
- There are multiple dead limbs in the crown.
- There are branches falling even during calm weather.
- Large branches are cracked or hanging loosely.
- The top of the tree canopy is thinning out.
When more than 30% of the crown is dead or dying, removal is often the most responsible option. After all, at this point, the tree is unstable and unlikely to recover.
4. The Trunk Is Cracked, Split, or Compromised
A tree’s trunk is its central support system. If it becomes damaged, the entire structure of the tree is at risk. If your tree has vertical cracks, cankers, or cavities, it should be evaluated right away. Remember, waiting too long may result in sudden failure, which can be dangerous and costly.
- Vertical Cracks: A crack running up the trunk can indicate internal decay or that the tree has been subjected to extreme stress (like lightning or shear forces). If a crack extends deep into the wood or appears on opposite sides of the trunk, the tree is at high risk of splitting apart.
- Cankers: These are areas of dead bark that often look like sunken, discolored patches or open wounds. Cankers are caused by fungal or bacterial diseases. If a canker covers more than half of the circumference of the tree, the structural integrity is likely gone, and the nutrient flow is severely restricted.
- Cavities: A hollow hole in a tree doesn’t automatically mean it needs to be removed, but it does require an expert evaluation. If the wood surrounding the cavity is thin or rotting, the trunk may no longer be strong enough to support the canopy, especially during the storm seasons we experience in the Carolinas.
5. The Tree Has a Significant Pest Infestation
Pests such as borers and beetles target weakened or dying trees, often accelerating their decline. While early infestations may be treatable, advanced pest damage often calls for removal to protect surrounding trees.
If you’ve noticed any of the following problems, call your local arborist for a more in-depth inspection:
- Small holes in the bark
- Sawdust-like material around the base of the tree
- Birds frequently pecking at the trunk
- Bark falling off in strips
- Visible tunnels or galleries beneath the bark
When the infestation is severe, removing the tree can prevent pests from spreading to nearby healthy trees. This is especially important on properties with multiple mature trees.
6. The Roots Are Damaged or Exposed
A tree’s root system is responsible for its stability, health, and nutrient intake. So, when the roots are compromised, the tree can decline rapidly or fail without warning.
If you have recently had construction work done near the tree, such as installing a driveway, repairing a septic system, or adding an addition to your home, and suspect the roots may have been severed or crushed, request an inspection right away.
7. The Tree Is Too Close to Your Home or Other Structures
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the tree’s health but its location. A healthy tree growing too close to your house, power lines, or other structures can cause long-term damage. So, if roots are lifting sidewalks or driveways, branches are touching your roof or siding, or the tree is interfering with your outdoor living space, we may recommend having the tree removed.
Unsure Whether You Need a Tree Removal? We’re Here to Help.
It can be challenging for any homeowner to know for sure when or if it’s time to have a tree removed. That’s why Heartwood Tree Care offers expert tree health inspections to help you make informed decisions. Our certified arborists will carefully evaluate the tree’s structural integrity, identify disease, decay, or hidden risks, discuss your options (which may include plant health care solutions), and explore whether removal is necessary. When the time is right to consider tree removal, we’ll guide you through the process with care.
If you live in Charlotte, Lake Norman, or Asheville, NC, and suspect one of your trees may be declining, contact Heartwood Tree Care. We’re here to protect your home and the trees you love so much.