Not every damaged or unhealthy tree needs to come down — but some warning signs mean it's time to get a professional opinion before the next windstorm makes the decision for you.
Signs to watch for
- Dead or bare branches in the upper canopy while the rest of the tree still has leaves — a sign of dieback.
- A leaning trunk, especially if the lean is new or the ground around the base is cracked or lifting.
- Large cracks or splits in the trunk, or bark that's peeling away in sheets.
- Fungus or mushrooms growing at the base — often a sign of root or trunk decay.
- Hollow sections — tap the trunk; a distinctly hollow sound can mean significant internal decay.
- Root damage from nearby construction, trenching, or severe storms.
When to act quickly
Any tree showing multiple signs at once — or one that's already dropping large limbs without warning — should be assessed promptly. This is especially true for trees near a house, driveway, or property line.
Not sure? We'll take a look
Our tree health assessments give you a clear recommendation — monitor, prune, or remove — before a small problem becomes an expensive one.