--- title: "How to Tell If a Tree Needs to Be Removed: 10 Signs" url: https://atreeservicenj.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-a-tree-needs-to-be-removed description: "Learn how to tell if a tree needs removal by spotting cracks, decay, dead branches, root damage, leaning, disease, and other warning signs before they become hazards." lang: en --- Menu Back to Blog (https://atreeservicenj.com/blog) # How to Tell If a Tree Needs to Be Removed: 10 Signs October 1, 2026 **Quick Answer:** The biggest red flags are deep splits down the main trunk, shelf mushrooms at the base, and any sudden, sharp lean. Large dead branches stuck in the canopy or a hollow core are also serious signs. When a tree threatens your roof or power lines, get a professional out as soon as possible. We have seen it many times on the job. A homeowner looks at a big oak that seems healthy. What they do not see is decay quietly eating the core. Nobody wants the hassle or cost of taking down a tree. But a heavy trunk crashing through your roof costs far more. Here are the real warning signs we look for in the field, so you can spot a hazard before it is too late. ## 1. Check the Trunk for Serious Damage ### Vertical Cracks and Split Trunks A few shallow cracks in the bark are normal as a tree grows. Deep, dark splits running down the trunk are a red flag. When the main wood splits, the tree loses the strength to hold up its canopy. ### Hollow Cavities A hollow tree is not always a dead tree. Some live on for many years. A common field guideline is the "30% rule." If more than a third of the inside is hollow, the tree may not have enough solid wood to stand up to a rough storm. ## 2. Inspect the Base and Roots ### Fungus and Mushrooms A cluster of mushrooms at the base of the trunk may look natural. It usually means the roots are rotting underground. The tree's anchor is breaking down. ### Soil Heaving and Exposed Roots Walk around the base. Is the dirt lifting or bulging on one side? That happens when roots start tearing out of the ground. It is a strong sign the tree could tip over soon. ## 3. Look for a Sudden or Severe Lean ### Natural Lean vs. Hazardous Lean Trees often grow a bit sideways while chasing sunlight. That is expected. But if your tree shifted 15 degrees overnight after a storm, the roots are failing. A sharp, sudden lean with lifted soil usually calls for emergency tree service (https://atreeservicenj.com/emergency-tree-service) right away. If the lean is mild, read our guide on how to save a leaning tree (https://atreeservicenj.com/blog/how-to-save-a-leaning-tree). ## 4. Check the Crown and Branches ### Large Dead or Hanging Branches (Widowmakers) They are called "widowmakers" for a reason. Big dead branches stuck in the canopy can drop without warning. Routine tree pruning (https://atreeservicenj.com/tree-pruning) can remove a few dead limbs, but if the whole upper canopy is lifeless and brittle, the tree is likely dying. ### Crown Dieback Step back and look at the top of the tree. If the highest branches are bare while the bottom is green, the tree is struggling to move water and nutrients up the trunk. ## 5. Look for Disease and Pests ### Common Pests and Advanced Disease Pests like the Emerald Ash Borer (https://atreeservicenj.com/blog/emerald-ash-borer-new-jersey) or bark beetles can destroy a tree from the inside in months. Heavy sap bleeding down the bark or piles of sawdust at the base are signs of a sick tree. Catching them early gives you a small window to decide if it can be saved. ## 6. Think About Location and Surroundings ### Nearby Targets A weak tree is a true risk when there is a "target" under it. Are there power lines nearby? Did recent driveway work cut through the root zone? Warning signs matter a lot more when your house, car, or driveway sits in the drop zone. ## 7. Can a Damaged Tree Be Saved? ### Alternatives to Full Removal Cutting it down is not always the answer. In some cases, steel cables or braces can support a weak branch. It all comes down to weighing the real risk against the health of the wood. ## Why Trust Amazing Tree Services With Your Property's Safety? We have served North New Jersey since 2009 and cleaned up after many bad storms. Guessing does not work with heavy timber. We only suggest taking a tree down when it is needed for safety. We are fully licensed (NJTC768027) and insured, and we own all of our equipment, including cranes and rigging gear, so we never subcontract. Crane tree removal (https://atreeservicenj.com/crane-service) lets us bring big trees down without tearing up your landscaping. If we can save a tree safely, we will tell you how. If it has to go, our tree removal (https://atreeservicenj.com/tree-removal) crew will bring it down securely. ## Conclusion and Next Steps Knowing the signs a tree needs to be removed gives you the upper hand before the next storm. Check the roots for fungus, look up for deadwood, and inspect the trunk for deep cracks. If you are unsure about a tree, do not wait for the wind to decide. Contact us (https://atreeservicenj.com/contact) or call **(973) 343-6868** for a free, honest assessment. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the main signs that a tree needs to be removed? The most obvious signs are deep cracks down the trunk, a hollow center that takes up more than a third of the wood, or a new, severe lean. Mushrooms near the base are another big red flag. ### Can a diseased tree be saved? It depends on when you catch it. Minor local problems can often be treated. Once decay reaches the structural wood, the tree usually has to come down for safety. ### Should a tree with a hollow trunk be removed? Not always. If the hollow part is less than about 30% of the trunk, the tree may still have plenty of strength. ### Who can determine if a tree needs to be removed? Call an experienced, licensed tree service. A trained crew checks the trunk, crown, and roots, and weighs what the tree could hit if it fell. ### How do I know if a dying tree is dangerous? It is all about location. If a dying tree leans toward your home, your car, or the street, it is very dangerous. ### Is shedding bark a bad sign? Some species shed bark naturally. But if large chunks fall off and the wood underneath looks dry or dead, the tree is likely sick. ### What exactly is a "widowmaker"? It is industry slang for a big, heavy branch that breaks but gets caught in the canopy below. It can fall with no warning. ### Can severed roots kill a tree? Yes. Digging trenches or heavy landscaping can cut major roots. That weakens the tree's anchor and starves it of water. ### Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal? Usually not for prevention. Insurance typically pays only if the tree falls on a covered structure, like your garage or roof. Learn more in our storm damage insurance guide (https://atreeservicenj.com/blog/storm-damage-trees-insurance-nj). ### How fast can a leaning tree fall? If you see a brand new lean and the soil is lifted or cracked at the base, it could fall in minutes. Stay away from the tree and call an expert fast. 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