How To Tell if a Tree Needs to Be Cut Down

The decision to cut down an established and beloved tree is never easy. Unfortunately, it has to be done sometimes — removing trees that have become dangerous can prevent severe property damage and even save lives. This guide shows you how to spot the warning signs that a tree needs to be cut down and when it’s time to consult a certified arborist in your area.

How Can You Tell if a Tree Needs to Be Cut Down?

1. The Tree Is Too Close to Your Property

Large trees that grow to be over 70 feet tall should always be planted at least 20 feet from your home. There should be a minimum distance of 15 feet between trees that won’t be taller than 70 feet and your home. Trees that grow up to 30 feet need to be eight feet away from your home.

If you’ve recently purchased a property with a tree that’s closer than it should be, it may be a good idea to call a professional tree removal company to cut it down. The same is true for trees with trunks that lean toward your property and those with branches that overhang your home.

Serious foundation damage can result from trees planted too close to a property, both for mechanical and moisture reasons. Overhanging branches and leaning trunks can damage your roof or walls.

2. The Tree Is Diseased

Diseased trees may have visibly rotten branches or pale and discolored leaves. They may also have holes in the trunk, rotten roots, or fungal growth. All these signs point to issues that run deep — indicating a dying tree.

Noticing there’s a problem with your tree is fairly easy. Determining whether steps can be taken to save it or if the tree needs to be cut down is a more difficult matter, however. That’s why it’s so important to consult a tree expert in your area who can diagnose the problem and propose the best solution when you notice signs of disease in a tree.

3. A Recent Storm Has Caused Broken Branches

Serious storms pose a significant threat to mature trees. In some cases, major branches sustain such serious damage that it becomes unsafe to walk anywhere near the tree. These branches have to be removed — but it may be possible to save the tree. In this situation, it’s best to ask a reputable arborist to assess your tree.

4. The Tree Is Dead

Dead trees need to be removed — there’s no question about it. Even if the tree is in a fairly safe spot (meaning it won’t damage your property, a neighbor’s house, or your car), dead trees become a ticking time bomb.

Fungi and bacteria all play their part in returning the tree to nature as it decays, which means it’s eventually bound to come crashing down. What’s more, dead trees are notorious for attracting a range of pests you don’t want anywhere near your property.

Be proactive and have the tree removed to prevent people from getting hurt and property from being damaged.

5. Arborists Have Told You the Tree Needs to Be Cut Down

Have you consulted multiple tree experts in the hope of saving your tree, only to be told that it needs to be cut down? You can trust their judgment.

Is It Time to Have Your Tree Removed?

Your tree may have to be cut down if you recognize any of the warning signs in this guide. Ask a certified arborist near you to take a thorough look if you’re not sure, and ask them to remove your tree if it cannot be saved.

Local tree removal professionals will determine the safest time to cut your tree down and take care of the entire process so you don’t have to.

Additional Reading: Help for Your Storm Damaged Trees (Nebraska Extension)

Tree Services of Omaha

Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and Shrub Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injections.