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.
Early signs a tree is declining
Trees rarely fail overnight. Catching decline early can mean the tree is saved with pruning or treatment instead of removed.
- Canopy and leaves: a thinning canopy, smaller or off-colour leaves, branches that leaf out late or not at all, or leaves dropping well before autumn.
- Bark and trunk: vertical cracks or seams, bark falling away in sheets, oozing sap or dark staining, which can point to infection or insects.
- At the base: mushrooms or shelf fungus on the trunk or root flare, which usually means decay is further along inside than it looks.
- Roots and soil: heaved or cracked soil near the base, or roots lifting, which means the tree may be losing its anchor.
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.
Related service: see our tree removal service page, serving London, St. Thomas and area.