How to Tell If a Tree Needs to Be Removed in Houston
Most homeowners do not want to remove a tree unless they absolutely have to.
Which is precisely why a healthy tree can be seen as something of a luxury in Houston.
The shade a tree provides cools a home, aids the overall appeal of the property, and can even make a home feel more complete.
Therefore many homeowners choose to simply monitor their tree as it begins to show signs of distress - until it's too late and their tree becomes a hazard instead.
The difficult part is telling the difference between what can potentially be saved from harm, and what needs to be removed for everyone's safety.
A Dead Tree Usually Needs To Be Removed
A dead tree is a good sign that it might need to be removed.
A tree that is dead is a tree no longer growing, and instead just decaying.
Limbs grow brittle, the trunk begins to rot from the inside out, bark falls away, and large
branches can snap off with little to no warning.
Trees in Houston are especially susceptible to becoming a hazard after death due to our
climate and weather patterns.
While a dead tree standing alone in the middle of a field is nothing to worry about, a dead
tree close to your roof, driveway, fence, sidewalk, garage, or powerline is a problem.
If your tree shows no leaves in the growing season, large portions of dead limbs, or is
generally dead and brittle from the top all the way to the bottom, it's time to have it
inspected.
If you're unsure whether or not it's dead or just under stress, a professional inspection can
tell you exactly what to do.
Read more about tree assessment in Houston, when to have a tree checked.
A Lean That Gets Worse Is A Warning Sign
Most trees will lean in one direction at some point in their lifetime.
This is completely normal, and not a cause for concern.
However, if this lean seems new, or has gotten significantly worse, it could be grounds for
removal.
Tree roots can fail in Houston, especially after days of rain or storms if the ground has been excessively moist.
If you see the ground coming up on one side of a tree, cracking around the base, or roots
causing a hill to form, then the tree could be leaning - and dangerously close to your roof,
garage, driveway, or fence.
A leaning tree that points towards your property, home, or neighbor's property should be
inspected as a matter of urgency.
If you're worried about the effects of storms and heavy rain on your tree, read more about
Cracks In The Trunk Can Mean The Tree Is Weak
A crack in the tree trunk is easy to miss, especially if the tree still has leaves on it, or is
otherwise healthy.
From a distance, a crack may barely be visible - but what many people don't know is that a
crack means structural integrity is compromised.
Some cracks are more dangerous than others, and should be treated with varying levels of
concern.
Vertical cracks, cracks around large limbs, and cracks that appeared after weather damage
should all be taken seriously, especially if the tree is close to your home.
This is due to the fact that a tree with a compromised trunk may still last for some time,
and can be hazardous once the next storm, wind, or rain hits - causing the crack to split
the tree completely open.
If you see a large crack in your tree, it's always best to have it inspected rather than guess.
Fungus Near The Base Can Point To Decay
Fungus in the grass is nothing to worry about, but fungal growth coming directly from the
trunk, roots, or lower branches of a tree can be a bad sign.
Decay is never a good thing, but it's also rarely visible to the untrained eye, which is why it
can be dangerous.
Trees that have decay in their root systems or lower trunk can still appear healthy, until
their canopy fails, or until the tree decides to fall.
That is why signs of fungal growth at the base of your tree are worth more concern when
paired with other symptoms.
Dead limbs. A hollow trunk. Soft wood. Cracks in the trunk. Leaning. Thinning canopy. Any
combination of these symptoms with signs of fungus could point to a decaying tree that
needs to be removed.
Read more about common tree diseases in Houston.
Large Dead Limbs Should Not Be Ignored
Small dead twigs at the ends of branches, while not ideal, aren't something to raise an
immediate alarm.
On the other hand, large dead limbs that refuse to produce leaves are an early sign of a tree
in distress.
Limbs that are dead, breaking, or falling can become a hazard to your roof, driveway, patio,
sidewalk, backyard seating, or otherwise - all especially true in the event of a storm.
In Houston, we see plenty of trees with large dead limbs fall victim to high winds and rain,
and snap clean off.
If the tree only has one dead limb, it can be pruned away.
If the tree has multiple large limbs that show signs of dying, removal may be necessary.
Sometimes the problem is isolated to a specific limb or branch, and sometimes the entire
tree needs to be cut down due to internal decay.
A Hollow Tree Can Still Be Risky
A tree with a hollow trunk is not necessarily dead, and not necessarily a hazard - but it is
certainly unpredictable.
This is surprising to a lot of homeowners, as a tree with a hollow trunk can still produce
leaves, and appear healthy.
However, if the hollow space is large, runs close to the base of the tree, or appears with
other symptoms like cracks, fungus, dead limbs, or leaning, the tree may need to be
removed for your safety.
Location is always a factor for removal, and a tree with a hollow trunk is no exception.
A tree this way in the far corner of your large yard is nothing to panic about, but a tree with
a hollow trunk leaning over your bedroom, driveway, garage, or fence is something that
needs to be removed.
This is why tree removal is never quite as simple as yes or no - trees need to be assessed
based on their location, condition, and risk to the property.
Root Problems Are Easy To Miss
Root problems are tough to spot, as most of a tree's root system is underground, where it
isn't easily visible.
However, there are several common signs that point to root issues in trees.
Lifting soil around the base of a tree. Leaning. Fungus growing around the roots. Thinning
canopy. Slow growth. Dead limbs in certain places.
Roots failing can be more dangerous than it first appears, as roots are what keep a tree
grounded. Even if the trunk, canopy, and limbs of a tree appear to be healthy, if the root
system fails the tree can become unstable enough to need removal.
This is especially important to consider in Houston, where yard drainage and root
saturation can contribute heavily to root rot and decay.
Storm Damage Can Change Everything
After a storm, a tree may still appear healthy.
However, it's important to keep in mind that a storm can and will damage any tree it hits,
even if the damage isn't immediately apparent.
Large limbs can break off, the trunk can twist, the roots can shift, the canopy can become
unbalanced, and cracks can appear anywhere.
If the tree appears different after a storm, it's important to have it inspected to ensure it
hasn't been compromised - because if it has, the next storm can be catastrophic.
If the tree has already fallen, split, or leaned dangerously after a storm, read more about
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
Tree removal cost depends on the tree.
That is the technical answer.
A small tree in an open yard is vastly different from a large oak hanging over your roof, or a
pine leaning towards your fence.
The largest factors in cost are almost always size and height.
Condition and risk are important factors as well, as trees that are dead, cracked, leaning, or
close to structures tend to require more time and care to remove safely.
Cleanup, haul away, and stump grinding are additional factors that come into play for tree
removal cost, and should be considered when budgeting for the service.
For more information about tree removal cost in Houston, read our guide on tree removal
Do Not Forget About The Stump
If the tree needs to be removed, you should always consider the stump.
A stump may not seem like a huge issue at first, but it can often turn into one if neglected
after removal.
Mowing around a stump is a hassle, insects will swarm the area, and the stump can become
a tripping hazard and eyesore.
For most homeowners, stump grinding is the preferred option after tree removal, and a
great way to finish the job.
Read more about stump grinding cost in Houston.
Tree Removal In Houston FAQ
How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?
A tree might need to be removed if it is dead, hollow, split, leaning towards a structure,
dropping large limbs, showing signs of root failure, or has serious decay.
Can a diseased tree be saved?
Sometimes a diseased tree can be saved depending on the disease and the condition of the
tree.
Is a leaning tree always dangerous?
Some trees are always leaning, but a tree that leans suddenly, or leans more than usual,
should be inspected.
A leaning tree with lifting soil should also be inspected.
Should I remove a tree before hurricane season?
If the tree is already dangerous, you should remove it before hurricane season rather than
risk damage during a storm.
Can trimming save a tree?
Sometimes trimming or pruning can save a tree with dead limbs, but if the roots or trunk
are failing, trimming will not be enough.
Is stump grinding necessary after removal?
It is not always necessary, but it is a good way to ensure the area is safe, clean, and ready
for mowing.
Final Thoughts From Our Team In Houston
Tree removal is not always the answer, and sometimes a tree just needs to be trimmed or
pruned.
Sometimes a tree needs treatment, or just monitoring.
However, when a tree is dead, badly cracked, hollow, leaning, dropping large limbs,
showing signs of root failure, or growing too close to something important, removal may be
the safest option.
Houston weather rarely gives weak trees a second chance, and can make just about any
problem worse.
If something about your tree doesn't seem right, we can always take a look, explain the
dangers, and help you decide whether the tree can be saved or needs to go.
Call us today and we'll help keep your Houston property safe, clean, and ready for the
weather ahead.
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