When Is Tree Removal Necessary? Understanding the Risks of Keeping a Hazardous Tree

March 7, 2025

Protect Your Investment

Trees are a valuable part of any landscape, providing beauty, shade, and environmental benefits. However, there are situations where a tree can become a serious liability rather than an asset. Whether due to disease, storm damage, or structural instability, keeping a hazardous tree on your property can pose risks to your home, safety, and surrounding vegetation.

Understanding when tree removal is necessary is crucial to preventing costly damage and ensuring a safe outdoor environment. Below, we discuss the key signs that indicate a tree should be removed and why working with professional arborists, such as Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping, is the best course of action.

A man is cutting a tree branch with a chainsaw.

Signs a Tree Needs to Be Removed

While some trees can be saved with proper care, others are beyond recovery and may pose a danger to people and property. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to consider removal.

1. The Tree Is Dead or Dying

A dead tree is not just an eyesore—it is a hazard. As the tree weakens, its branches become brittle and can fall unexpectedly, especially during storms or high winds. If the majority of the tree’s canopy is dead, the trunk is hollow, or the bark is peeling off in large sections, the tree is likely beyond saving.

2. Large, Unstable Branches Are at Risk of Falling

If a tree has multiple large branches that appear weak, cracked, or split, it could be dangerous to keep. Falling limbs can damage property, vehicles, or even injure people. Weak branches may indicate internal decay or structural instability, making removal the safest option.

A close up of a tree trunk with a hole in it

3. The Tree Is Leaning Significantly

A tree that suddenly starts leaning to one side may have root damage or an unstable foundation. While some trees grow at an angle naturally, a recent or worsening lean suggests an immediate risk of falling. If a leaning tree is near your home, driveway, or power lines, professional removal is strongly recommended.

4. There Are Deep Cracks or Cavities in the Trunk

Large cracks, cavities, or missing bark on a tree trunk often indicate internal decay. While some trees can survive with hollow trunks, significant structural weakness can make them vulnerable to collapse. If more than half of the trunk is compromised, removal is the safest option.

5. The Tree Has Root Damage

Healthy roots anchor a tree firmly in place. If you notice large roots that have been severed, or if the ground around the tree appears lifted or disturbed, it could indicate serious root damage. Construction work, soil erosion, or disease can compromise the root system, making the tree unstable.

6. It Is Too Close to Buildings or Utility Lines

Trees planted too close to structures can become a major problem as they grow. Large trees with sprawling roots can crack sidewalks, driveways, and even home foundations. Overhanging branches may scrape against roofs or windows, causing costly damage. Additionally, trees growing too close to power lines present a fire hazard and should be removed before they interfere with electrical infrastructure.

7. The Tree Has a Severe Pest or Disease Infestation

Certain tree diseases, such as root rot, Dutch elm disease, or oak wilt, can weaken trees beyond recovery. Infested trees often show signs of discoloration, premature leaf loss, or fungi growth. Some pests, like termites or wood-boring beetles, can hollow out a tree from the inside, making it structurally unsound. If a tree is diseased or infested beyond treatment, removal may be necessary to prevent the spread of the issue to nearby vegetation.

A large log is laying on the ground in the middle of a forest.

Why Professional Tree Removal Is Essential

While it may be tempting to handle tree removal on your own, doing so can be extremely dangerous. Large trees require specialized equipment and precise techniques to ensure safe removal without damaging surrounding property.

At Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping, our experienced team follows industry best practices to:

Assess the condition of your tree and determine if removal is necessary.
Use specialized cutting and rigging techniques to remove the tree safely.
Protect surrounding property and landscaping during the removal process.
Handle proper disposal and cleanup, leaving your yard in excellent condition.

A bird feeder is hanging from a mossy tree branch.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re unsure whether a tree needs to be removed, it’s always best to consult with a certified tree care expert. Our team at Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping offers professional assessments to help you determine the best course of action. We prioritize safety and efficiency, ensuring that hazardous trees are removed with minimal disruption to your property.

Don’t wait until a tree becomes a serious risk. Contact Quality First Tree Service & Landscaping today for a tree inspection and expert removal services. Keeping your property safe starts with proactive tree care.

A man is standing in a bucket on a crane cutting a tree

A person is cutting a tree trunk with a chainsaw.

A crane is lifting a large log into a dump truck.

A man in a bucket is cutting a tree branch

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