Trees can be incredibly beneficial to your property. But if they start to decline, suffer storm damage, or are simply growing too large for the space they occupy, they can quickly become a headache.
While tree removal is never an easy decision, there are some important warning signs that can help you make that decision with confidence. Here are some of the most important signs you need tree removal here in Southwest Connecticut to keep your property safe and beautiful.
Keep Takeaways:
- Dead or severely damaged trees become increasingly unstable over time, making them more dangerous and expensive to remove the longer you wait.
- Warning signs like trunk damage, root problems, and fungal growth often indicate serious internal issues that can’t be fixed through pruning or treatment.
- Trees growing too close to structures or showing signs of disease create ongoing safety hazards and potential liability issues for property owners.
- Having at-risk trees professionally evaluated helps prevent emergency situations and allows you to plan removal on your schedule and budget.
1. Dead or Dying Trees
Dead trees offer little value to your property, and may even detract from your curb appeal. And depending on where they’re located, they may pose an immediate safety hazard.
Dead trees eventually start to decay, becoming weaker and more likely to fall over, split, or drop large branches. If a dead or dying tree is located close to a home or other structure, a neighbor’s property, or an access way, like a driveway or sidewalk, you’ll definitely want to have it removed before it causes damage or harm.
Dead or dying trees can be hard to spot in the winter, when all deciduous trees are bare. But if you notice trees that aren’t leafing out in the spring, you should probably have the tree professionally inspected.
You can also look for:
- Bark falling off the trunk
- Brown, brittle wood underneath peeling bark
- Branches that snap easily instead of bending
- No green layer under the bark when you scratch a small twig
- Mushrooms or other fungi growing on or near the trunk
- Large sections of missing bark that exposes bare wood
Dead trees only become more dangerous and expensive to remove as time goes on. If you spot these warning signs, especially on a large tree, having it assessed by a Certified Arborist can help you avoid costly problems down the road.
2. Severe Trunk Damage: Cracks, Splits, and Decay
A tree’s trunk is its backbone, providing essential support. When severely damaged, the tree becomes unstable and dangerous, especially during Connecticut’s frequent storms and high winds. In many cases, removal is the safest option.
Watch for these signs of severe trunk damage:
- Deep cracks extending into the wood
- Multiple cracks or splits, especially encircling the trunk
- V-shaped splits at major branch unions
- Hollow areas or visible holes
- Missing bark with decayed wood underneath
- Large wounds that haven’t healed
When a trunk is severely damaged, it’s usually impossible to save the tree. And the closer it is to structures, the faster it should be evaluated and (most likely) removed by a Certified Arborist.
3. Root Problems: Hidden Dangers Below Ground
While root problems can be hard to spot, there are usually visible signs above ground that indicate trouble below. Watch for these warning signs of root problems:
- Mushrooms or fungal growth on visible roots
- Exposed surface roots that are decaying, damaged
- Soil heaving or cracking around the tree
- Recent leaning that wasn’t there before
- Less foliage or smaller leaves than normal
- Soil mounding on one side of the tree
- Spongy soil near the tree
Root damage is especially concerning with large trees since they can suddenly topple over when their anchoring system fails. This is why we see so many trees landing on homes during a storm – prolonged periods of rain can saturate and loosen the soil, making it easier for wind to knock the tree over.
4. Leaning Trees
Some trees naturally grow at a slight angle, and this isn’t always cause for concern. But, when a tree starts leaning pretty significantly, like more than 15 degrees from vertical, you’ll probably want the tree inspected. More importantly, if a tree has recently developed a lean, you might have a problem.
A sudden lean often means the tree’s roots are failing or the soil around them has become unstable. This is especially common after heavy rains, which we frequently get here in Connecticut, or when soil has been disturbed by construction. If you notice exposed roots
on the side opposite the lean, or cracked soil and mounding around the base, these are signs the tree could be at risk of falling.
If your leaning tree is large, located near buildings or power lines, or has recently started tilting more, don’t wait to have it evaluated. A falling tree can cause catastrophic damage in seconds, and the problem rarely fixes itself.
5. Storm Damage
Storm damage that breaks a few small branches isn’t usually a big deal. But when storms cause major structural damage to a tree, removal might be your safest option. Here in Connecticut, where nor’easters, ice storms, and strong summer thunderstorms are common, severe storm damage often means removing the tree before it falls, like many did during the summer storms in 2024.
Large broken limbs, split trunks, or partially uprooted trees are serious issues that rarely heal properly. When a tree loses too many large branches in a storm, it becomes unbalanced and prone to falling. And if major branches were torn away rather than breaking cleanly, the wounds are more likely to decay and invite disease or pest problems.
Extensive or recurring storm damage weakens trees permanently. While you might be tempted to save a damaged tree, so long as it’s still standing, keeping it could put your property at risk during the next big storm.
6. Disease and Pest Infestation
Not all tree diseases and pest problems require removal – many can be treated successfully if caught early. But some infestations or diseases are so severe or advanced that removal becomes the only safe option. This is especially true for large trees that could endanger your home or property if they fail.
Look for signs like large sections of dead branches, leaves that are discolored or dropping at the wrong time of year, or significant bark damage. You might also notice insect exit holes in the trunk, sawdust-like material around the base, or weeping areas on the bark.
When these symptoms affect most of the tree, or are concentrated in its main trunk, treatment may no longer be effective.
7. Trees Growing Too Close for Comfort
Trees growing too close to your house, garage, or other structures can cause expensive problems. Their roots might damage your foundation or plumbing, while overhanging branches can scrape against your roof or siding, especially during storms. And if the tree falls, it’s guaranteed to cause major damage.
While it can be nice to have mature trees proving shade over your home or office building, they should be inspected regularly by an arborist to ensure they’re structurally sound and unlikely to fail.
Power lines are another major concern. When trees grow into or too close to power lines, they create serious safety hazards and increase the risk of power outages. While regular pruning can temporarily manage these issues, removing the tree entirely is often a better long-term solution.
Signs your tree’s location is a problem:
- Branches touching or hanging over your roof
- Tree growing into power lines
- Branches blocking important sightlines (like intersections, driveways or street signs)
- Large tree less than 20 feet from your house
- Tree interfering with walkways or driveways
8. Multiple Dead Branches: Signs of Declining Health
While it’s normal for trees to have a few dead branches, especially after winter, too many dead branches usually signal deeper problems. If more than 25% of a tree’s branches are dead, the entire tree is likely in decline.
Dead branches, especially large ones, aren’t just ugly — they’re dangerous. They can fall without warning, even on calm days, because the wood becomes brittle as it dies.
When examining your tree’s branches, look for:
- Multiple large dead branches throughout the crown
- Branches with no leaves during growing season
- Dead branches concentrated on one side
- Branches that break easily when bent
- No small twigs at branch ends
- Dead branches larger than 4 inches in diameter
A tree with extensive branch death usually won’t recover. In these cases, removal is typically the safest choice.
9. Fungal Growth on or Near Trees
Finding mushrooms or other fungi growing on your tree isn’t always a death sentence, but there’s a chance your tree could be decaying internally. When fungi appear on the trunk, main branches, or around the base of the tree, they’re usually feeding on dead or decaying wood inside the tree. The only way to know for sure is to have a Certified Arborist perform some tests to determine the extent of the decay.
Large fungal growths, especially shelf-like structures growing out of the trunk or major branches, may mean decay has already spread significantly inside the tree. By the time you see these fungi, the internal damage is usually extensive. Once fungal decay takes hold inside a tree, it usually continues to spread, creating a significant risk of trunk or branch failure.
However, a tree may compartmentalize the decay, shutting it off from the rest of the tree. A tree may be stable for many more years, even with mushrooms present near the base. For peace of mind, have an arborist inspect your trees if you find any signs of mushrooms.
Remove At-Risk Trees Sooner Rather Than Later
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs on your trees, especially multiple signs on the same tree, it’s time to consider tree removal. Or if you notice anything else about your trees causing you stress, it’s best to at least have them inspected by a professional.
While removing a large tree is a significant expense, it’s far less costly than repairing damage from a fallen tree or dealing with injuries it might cause. Often when this happens, homes are deemed unlivable until repairs are complete, inconveniencing every area of
your daily life. When it comes to at-risk trees, be proactive and consider removal before any damage is done.
FAQs About Tree Removal in Southwest Connecticut
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Connecticut?
Most towns in Connecticut don’t require permits for removing trees on private property. However, if your tree is near power lines or could affect neighboring properties, you may need to notify your utility company or neighbors.
When is the best time to remove a tree?
While trees can be removed any time of year, winter is often ideal. The ground is frozen, minimizing yard damage, and bare branches make the work easier. However, if your tree poses a safety hazard, don’t wait – have it removed as soon as possible.
How long does tree removal take?
Most trees can be removed in a single day. However, large trees or those in difficult locations might take longer. Your arborist will give you a time estimate before starting the work.
What happens to the stump after tree removal?
Stump grinding is typically a separate service from tree removal. We recommend having the stump ground out to prevent it from becoming a tripping hazard or attracting pests.
Protect Your Property – Schedule Tree Removal with Rayzor’s Edge Tree Service Today
Trees that show multiple warning signs of failure won’t get better on their own – they’ll only become more dangerous and expensive to remove. Whether you’re a homeowner concerned about protecting your family and house, or a property manager responsible for keeping commercial spaces safe, taking action before trees fail helps prevent costly property damage and potential liability issues.
The Certified Arborists at Rayzor’s Edge Tree Service can help evaluate any trees that concern you and safely remove those that pose a risk to your property. With state-of-the-
art equipment, including specialized cranes and years of experience handling both residential and commercial tree removal, we ensure every job is done right.
Call us at 203-258-5584 or fill out our online form to request an estimate today.
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