Learning to recognize the signs a tree needs to be removed could help save your property. Once it’s too late, you may be dealing with more than only tree removal. You could also have to add building repair to the list. Even if you don’t catch all of the following tree removal signs, contact Elite Tree Care with any questionable tree-related sightings.

Tree Removal Signs

While some signs are more obvious than others, learn to spot a hazardous tree in your yard before it does any damage to its surroundings during a storm.

1. Hollow trunk. Some trees are strong enough to withstand a small hole in its trunk. Animals often rely on these cavities for shelter. However, a weaker tree may not be able to sustain any loss of bark or branches. It may be hard to tell if a tree is decaying on the inside, so it’s important to have an arborist examine it if other signs appear.
2. Cankers. If you notice large sections of bark missing from the trunk with no new wood behind it, your tree is likely to be a lot weaker at these openings and more prone to disease.
3. Dead branches and leaves. Not only are these branches dangerous if unpruned, but they’re a sign of tree distress. Trees that prematurely drop leaves and branches are trying to naturally thin themselves out. This way there’s less energy needed to feed the whole tree. It’s like someone who’s too ill to eat.
4. Leaning. If you see a tree leaning more than 15 degrees to one side because of wind or root damage, consider removing it. Trees may naturally lean and can also be reinforced with cables and braces, but be careful if the tree in question also shows other signs of distress.
5. Rotten roots. Root rot can be hard to spot, but some signs include mushrooms growing around the base of a tree and fungi growing around the trunk.
6. V-shaped branches. When branches grow close together it’s a sign something is off. It’s also not good if these weak branches break off and bring down the others so close to them.

What to do Next?

When you spot a sign of a weak tree, the safest thing to do is call an expert. A certified arborist can help determine the best course of action, including rehabilitation or tree removal. While the damage caused by a fallen tree may be covered under homeowner’s insurance, it’s best to get ahead of any damage by dealing with a weaker tree first.