7 Signs You Need Emergency Tree Removal Services

Trees can be a beautiful addition to your property, but they can also pose serious risks if they're damaged or unhealthy. Here are 7 key warning signs that you may need emergency tree removal:

• Leaning Trees: A sudden lean or tilt of more than 15 degrees can signal instability, especially after storms.
• Root Problems: Exposed roots, soil upheaval, or fungal growth at the base may indicate severe structural issues.
• Storm Damage: Split trunks, broken branches, or uprooted trees are common after extreme weather.
• Disease or Decay: Dead branches, mushrooms on the trunk, or large patches of missing bark suggest internal rot.
• Proximity to Buildings: Trees too close to structures or utility lines can cause damage or safety hazards.
• Falling Branches: Cracked, dead, or hanging branches are a clear warning of potential failure.
• Trunk Damage: Large holes, deep cracks, or visible decay in the trunk can compromise a tree's stability.

Quick Action Matters: Trees showing these signs can collapse without warning, risking property damage or injury. Regular inspections and prompt professional evaluations are essential to ensure safety.

6 WARNING Signs It Might Be Time To Remove Your Tree

1. Trees That Lean or Tilt

Trees that lean more than 15 degrees from vertical – especially if the lean appears suddenly – can be dangerous and should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible. Even trees that seem steady can collapse during bad weather, making expert evaluation essential.

How to Check a Tree's Lean

You can gauge a tree's lean by comparing it to nearby vertical objects or using a level app on your phone. For a more accurate assessment, a certified arborist equipped with professional tools is your best option.

Why Do Trees Lean?

Several factors can cause a tree to lean, including:

• Soil erosion: Look for exposed roots or cracked soil.
• Root damage: Signs include lifted roots or soil upheaval.
• Storm impact: A sudden lean often follows severe weather.
• Construction damage: Compacted soil or disturbed roots can weaken the tree.

When soil or root issues are present, the likelihood of the tree failing during storms can increase by as much as 40%.

Signs that a leaning tree may need immediate removal:

• Fresh cracks in the soil or upheaval around the base.
• Visible damage to more than 30% of the root system.
• A lean that continues to worsen over time.
• Proximity to buildings or areas with frequent foot traffic.

It's a good idea for property owners to visually inspect trees after major storms and have them professionally assessed once a year. Ignoring a leaning tree can lead to sudden collapse, endangering both property and lives.

While leaning trees are easy to spot, hidden problems like root damage can be just as hazardous. Regular checks can help identify these risks early.

2. Root System Problems

Root system issues can develop quietly but pose serious risks to tree stability and safety. These problems often require urgent attention from professionals.

Common Root Problems

Key root issues that may signal the need for immediate tree removal include:

• Exposed surface roots: If more than 40% of the roots are visible above ground, it often points to severe soil erosion that weakens the tree's support system.
• Soil upheaval: Shifting or uneven ground caused by root failure can create dangerous instability, distinct from leaning trees.
• Construction damage: Excavation work within 10 feet of mature trees can destroy up to half of their critical root mass, leaving them vulnerable.

Fungal growth at the base of a tree is another red flag, often indicating internal root decay and a high risk of failure.

How Root Damage Impacts Trees

When roots are damaged, trees lose the structural support, nutrients, and water they need to thrive. Warning signs include leaning accompanied by soil cracks (a major risk), wilting crowns with twig dieback, and premature leaf drop leading to crown decline.

"Early detection of root problems can mean the difference between saving a tree and dealing with catastrophic failure. When more than 30% of a tree's root system is compromised, the risk of failure increases exponentially during adverse weather conditions."

Trees may need to be removed immediately if:

• Over 40% of the root system is damaged or decayed
• Large roots (over 3 inches in diameter) are cut within 5 feet of the trunk
• Soil shifts on one side of the tree while sinking on the other

For trees near structures or busy areas, removal may need to happen within 2-3 weeks, depending on weather and the extent of root damage.

Although root problems are often hidden, visible signs like disease or decay in the tree itself can signal an urgent threat.

3. Weather and Storm Damage

When storms hit, trees can suffer various types of damage. Professional arborists are trained to evaluate the situation and decide whether a tree needs to be removed. Here are some common signs that demand immediate attention.

Common Types of Storm Damage

• Split Trunks: Strong winds or lightning can cause trunks to split vertically. If the split covers more than 25% of the trunk's circumference, removal is often the safest option.
• Broken Branches: Large branches (over 4 inches in diameter) that are hanging or broken pose serious risks, especially if they are above buildings or busy areas.
• Uprooted Trees: Trees that are partially uprooted with exposed roots are unstable. A lean of 15 degrees or more from vertical is a red flag, and removal should be done within 24-48 hours.
• Contact with Power Lines: Trees touching power lines are extremely dangerous and require immediate action by professionals.

Steps to Inspect Trees After a Storm

When checking for damage, always stay at a safe distance – at least as far as the tree's height:

• Look for signs of instability, like cracked trunks, exposed roots, or soil movement around the base.
• Examine the tree's crown for broken branches or any noticeable lean.

"Early detection of storm damage can mean the difference between a manageable removal and catastrophic failure. When assessing storm-damaged trees, property managers should prioritize those near structures or in high-traffic areas for immediate professional evaluation."

Never go near trees that are in contact with power lines. Instead, call certified arborists, such as those affiliated with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), to handle the situation safely.

While storm damage occurs suddenly, keep in mind that other risks, like tree diseases, can develop over time and may require similar attention.

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4. Signs of Disease or Death

Disease Warning Signs

Tree diseases can turn a healthy tree into a major safety concern. Watch out for these signs of trouble:

• Dead or dying branches near the top
• Mushrooms or conks growing on the trunk or large branches
• Large patches of missing, loose, or cracked bark
• Leaves dropping early, wilting, or changing color outside of their usual seasonal pattern

"Early detection and treatment of diseases can prevent them from becoming severe safety risks. However, once a tree shows multiple signs of decline, professional evaluation becomes crucial for safety assessment."

When Disease Becomes Unsafe

A tree becomes a danger when it shows clear signs of instability. Immediate removal is necessary when over half of the tree is dead or dying, the trunk has significant decay, or large dead branches hang over areas people frequent. The combination of internal decay and visible damage makes the tree more likely to fail, especially in bad weather.

"If a tree is more than 50% dead or shows extensive decay, it is considered unsafe and should be removed promptly. The risk of failure increases significantly during adverse weather conditions, making removal a time-sensitive matter."

Insurance companies often deny claims for damage caused by diseased trees if the issues were not addressed in time. This makes professional inspections essential when warning signs appear. Pay extra attention to trees that:

• Are close enough to buildings or walkways to cause damage if they fall
• Show internal decay
• Have a history of dropping large branches
• Display multiple disease symptoms at once

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to sudden tree collapse, especially during storms or high winds. While decay and disease usually progress gradually, trees near structures can pose immediate risks that shouldn't be overlooked.

5. Trees Too Close to Buildings

Risks to Property

When trees grow too close to buildings, they can cause serious problems like damaging foundations, scraping roofs, and interfering with utility lines. These issues often lead to safety concerns and expensive repairs, making quick action necessary.

Here are some common risks:

• Foundation Issues: Roots can crack foundations and create moisture problems.
• Roof Damage: Overhanging branches can wear down roofing materials over time.
• Utility Problems: Branches can touch power lines, increasing the chances of fires or outages.

Safe Distances to Maintain

The safe distance between trees and structures depends on the type of tree and its mature size. Here’s a quick guide:

If you have trees that are already too close, watch for these warning signs:

• Roots visibly damaging foundations
• Branches making contact with walls or roofs
• Cracks or shifting in walls
• Issues with underground utilities

In situations where trees are too close, a professional assessment is often the best course of action. Removing the tree can be more cost-effective than dealing with ongoing damage or safety risks.

Even trees at a safer distance can pose dangers if branches fall, so regular maintenance is key.

6. Dropping Branches

Signs of Weak Branches

When a tree starts shedding branches, it’s often a warning that emergency action might be needed. Look out for these signs to spot branches at risk of falling:

Key Indicators:

• Deep cracks or splits in major branches
• Discolored or dead wood sections
• Branches hanging at odd angles

Branches showing several of these signs are more likely to fail.

Hazards of Falling Branches

Falling branches can cause serious damage or injury. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, they pose risks that demand quick attention.

High-Risk Areas:

• Above driveways or parking spots
• Pedestrian walkways
• Play areas for children
• Near utility lines or service connections

After severe weather, take time to inspect trees for any signs of unstable branches.

"Professional arborists play a crucial role in managing branch fall risks by conducting thorough tree inspections, identifying weak branches, and performing necessary pruning or removal services".

If multiple branches are falling from the same tree, it could point to serious health problems that might require removing the entire tree, not just pruning.

While falling branches are concerning, damage to the trunk can signal even more severe structural issues that need immediate attention.

7. Trunk Holes and Damage

Identifying Trunk Issues

Severe trunk damage is a leading cause of emergency tree removal because it directly affects a tree's stability and safety. When checking your tree's trunk, look for these warning signs and their associated risks:

Key signs to watch for:

• Large cavities or holes
• Vertical cracks or splits
• Soft or decaying areas
• Strange bulges or depressions

You can lightly tap the trunk – if it sounds hollow, it might indicate internal decay. Be extra cautious after storms or extreme weather, as these conditions can worsen existing damage.

Why Trunk Damage Matters

Damage to the trunk weakens a tree’s structure, making it less capable of supporting its weight or withstanding external forces like wind. Cracks, decay, and cavities increase the likelihood of the tree collapsing, especially during storms. Trunk injuries also create entry points for pests and diseases, speeding up internal decay and further compromising the tree.

If more than 40% of a tree’s trunk circumference is damaged, emergency removal is often necessary to avoid accidents. Arborists use specialized tools and techniques to assess the damage and decide whether the tree can be stabilized with methods like bracing or if immediate removal is required.

Trees with severe trunk damage are much more likely to fail, particularly in bad weather. Prompt professional evaluation is essential to address these issues and ensure the safety of your property. Taking quick action can help avoid serious accidents and maintain overall safety.

Wrapping It Up

Spotting the signs of a dangerous tree early can save both lives and property. The Insurance Information Institute notes that tree-related damage makes up a large share of property insurance claims each year.

Here’s a quick guide to some key tree hazards and how fast you should act:

This table serves as a handy tool for assessing risks and deciding when action is needed.

When it comes to removing dangerous trees, it’s always best to call in the pros. Certified experts can evaluate the situation and handle the removal safely, ensuring no further harm is done.

Need help? TreeCareHQ offers a directory of certified tree service providers, connecting you with professionals equipped to deal with hazardous trees.

Regular check-ups by an arborist can catch potential problems early, helping you avoid emergencies and maintain your property’s value.

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