5 Signs a Tree Needs To Be Removed

When a dying tree shows its tell tale signs, you will notice obvious symptoms such as the bark falling off, no leaves or buds appearing in the springtime, and stunted growth. Extensive areas of missing or peeling bark, known as cankers, may also indicate that a tree is severely stressed or in decline. If you are unsure whether a branch is dead, a simple scratch test can help — scrape back a small section of the outer bark and check the layer underneath: if the tissue is brown and dry rather than green and moist, that branch is dead.

While these signs must be taken seriously, the dead tree poses a great risk to everyone in the area and should never be left standing longer than necessary. Beyond the structural danger, fungi growing on the surface of a dead tree can accelerate deterioration, and the tree can also become a nesting place for pests like mosquitoes, beetles, and wasps, creating additional hazards for your household. As much as it may be difficult to face, dead trees should be removed immediately as they can become unstable and dangerous over time.



Dead Branches

2. The tree shows signs of disease or infestation

Signs of Disease

One of the major indicators of a diseased tree is when it shows signs of internal decay. When a tree starts to decompose, fungi and bacteria break down the tree's tissues, making it more fragile and susceptible to fungal diseases and further decay. Moreover, the decay can be accelerated by environmental factors such as excessive moisture or physical damage. Consistent tree care and early intervention are the best ways to prevent disease from taking hold.

If you notice any discolouration on the leaves, wilting, spotting, premature leaf drop, or dead branch stubs, these are telltale signs of a diseased tree. Other signs to watch for include misshapen or distorted leaves, which can result from herbicide exposure in the surrounding area and are sometimes mistaken for disease.

Diseased trees may not only pose an inherent risk due to their weakened structure but they can also spread infection to other nearby trees. When this happens, other healthy trees may be affected and the entire area could become a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.

Signs of Infestation

Like diseased trees, infested trees are highly destructive and can cause significant damage to your property over time. Certain pests and insects like borers, beetles, and termites inflict severe structural damage, while others attack the tree’s foliage and sapwood.

To identify if a tree is infested, consider looking out for signs such as holes in the bark, wilting leaves or branches, discoloured patches on the trunk, lifting roots, black sooty mold, and premature leaf drop. In some cases, you may even see sawdust or sap exuding from the tree. As soon as you spot any of these signs, call a certified arborist for a tree risk assessment and so they can determine the appropriate course of action.



3. The tree has structural issues

Hollow Trunks & Stem Failure

If a tree has significant structural problems, such as multiple trunks, vertical cracks, or a noticeable lean, it may pose a risk of falling. Examining the tree trunk carefully is essential — hollow trunks are a particularly serious concern.

A hollow trunk is a strong indicator of internal decay and compromised structural integrity that may make removal necessary. Issues like stem failure, where the main structure of the tree gives way entirely, can occur without warning and cause significant harm to surrounding property and people. Large branches from large trees that have compromised structural integrity may not only cause damage to buildings and vehicles, but they can also be a safety hazard for pedestrians as well as nearby homeowners.



Weak Limbs & Branch Shedding

When assessing trees for structural problems, it's important to examine the tree's trunk closely for any signs of damage, as well as the strength of its limbs and branches. Even if the tree appears structurally sound, weakly attached or dead branches can easily break and fall off unexpectedly, leading to potential property damage and even injury. A tree that frequently sheds branches, even outside of storm events, may also be a sign that it can no longer adequately support its own weight and should be assessed by certified arborists without delay.