Top Red Flags You Need Tree Removal Now

Sometimes, when it comes to tree care, waiting is not the best option. For example, storm damage or diseases that have progressed significantly can turn a once-beautiful tree into a looming hazard. In these cases, prompt tree removal is essential for your loved ones’ safety.

Although you can’t always prevent tree emergencies, you can educate yourself so that you will be prepared to respond appropriately. This guide will walk you through the top signs you need tree removal in order to help you prevent property damage and injury.

The Tree Has Suddenly Developed a Lean or Is Now Leaning Significantly

Some trees develop a slight lean as they grow, especially if they’re reaching around other trees or buildings for sunlight or have adapted to uneven ground. In many cases, this type of leaning is completely normal and poses no immediate danger.

However, a sudden or dramatic shift in a tree’s posture is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. If a tree that once stood straight begins to lean significantly — especially after a storm or heavy rainfall — it may mean the root system has been compromised. This can quickly turn the tree into a hazard, as the weakened roots can no longer anchor it securely in place.

When the lean develops seemingly overnight or becomes drastic, tree removal is often necessary to prevent the risk of collapse. After all, gravity, wind, and soil erosion will quickly take over, completing the tree’s descent — possibly onto your home, garage, or vehicles.

Large Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

Vertical cracks, seams, or large wounds on a tree trunk often develop due to internal decay, lightning strikes, or freeze-thaw cycles. Since the tree’s structural integrity has been compromised, there is now a significant chance of it falling apart at any moment and without warning. So, if you notice deep cracks extending into the wood of the trunk, especially those wider than 3-4 inches, call for emergency tree removal immediately.

Exposed or Damaged Roots

What’s holding your tree upright? The roots, of course! Unfortunately, this also means that when the roots are damaged or exposed due to erosion, construction, or storms, the entire stability of the tree is jeopardized. Not only can the tree collapse unpredictably, its exposed roots also make it vulnerable to disease and insect damage, which weakens the tree even more as time passes.

If you see roots protruding from the soil or notice that a portion of the tree’s root flare appears decayed or broken, take this sign of trouble seriously, and reach out to your local tree company for expert removal.

Hollow Trunk or Cavities

It might surprise you, but a tree can still stand even with a hollow trunk. However, that doesn’t mean it should. A tree that is hollow or visibly decaying poses a serious risk, as the tree is unstable and prone to falling, especially during high winds. The general rule of thumb in arboriculture is that when more than half of a tree’s cross-section is hollow or decayed, it’s time for drastic measures, such as complete removal.

Significant Storm Damage

Your neighborhood just experienced a major storm. When you step outside, you notice one of your trees is missing half its branches, and the remaining structure is listing to one side. Storm damage just like this is often one of the top signs you need to remove the tree ASAP.

High winds, heavy snow, and lightning strikes can all cause extensive damage to trees and lead to catastrophic structural failure. So, don’t wait for your tree to fall on its own. If it has lost more than 50% of its crown, lost major limbs, or has a split trunk, schedule a removal and storm-damage cleanup right away.

The Tree Is Already Dead

While trees don’t die overnight (the process is gradual, with subtle signs becoming more pronounced over time), once they are dead, their structural integrity begins to deteriorate rapidly. And there’s no sugarcoating it — a dead tree is a dangerous tree. Because the wood will become brittle, the tree can collapse at any moment, particularly during a storm or high winds.

How can you tell if your tree is dead or dying? Look for these telltale signs: no leaves during the growing season, branches that break easily, peeling bark, and discolored or crumbling wood beneath the bark. If your tree has these symptoms and if it’s large or situated near structures, power lines, or high-traffic areas, prompt removal should be your priority.

Contact Herrington Tree Care for Prompt Tree Removal

It might be tempting to grab a chainsaw and take matters into your own hands, especially when you’re worried about a tree falling. But tree removal is one of the most dangerous home improvement projects. Without the right training, equipment, and safety measures, you risk serious injury or further property damage.

In contrast, the professional tree removal team at Herrington Tree Care has the training to handle high-risk situations and can assess the safest method for removing the tree, manage traffic and utility concerns, and ensure no one gets hurt in the process. Plus, we’re licensed and insured — so if something does go wrong, you’re protected.

When you notice the signs of needing a tree removal, call in the experts. Don’t go it alone. Contact Herrington Tree Care today for fast, safe, and reliable emergency tree services.