7 Signs a Tree Needs Removal

Trees are remarkably resilient — but they don't last forever. In Washington, where windstorms and saturated soils combine, knowing the difference between a tree that needs care and one that needs to come down can protect your home, your family, and your wallet.

Here are the seven warning signs our arborists watch for during every property inspection.

1. Visible lean that wasn't there before. A sudden lean — especially with cracked or lifted soil at the base — is a serious red flag. Established leans aren't always dangerous, but a new lean often means root failure.

2. Large dead limbs in the canopy. Deadwood falls. Big deadwood falls hard. Branches over 3 inches in diameter should be removed promptly; an entire dead crown usually means the tree is gone.

3. Cavities, hollows, or visible decay. Some hollow trees stand for decades; others fail in the next storm. The location and extent of decay matter — an arborist can assess whether the remaining shell is structurally sound.

4. Fungal growth at the base. Conks, mushrooms, or shelf fungi on the trunk or root flare often indicate internal rot. We take photos and assess whether the tree should be retained or removed.

5. Co-dominant stems with included bark. Trees that split into two main leaders early often fail at the union. The signs are visible from the ground.

6. Major cracks in the trunk. Vertical cracks longer than a few feet, or any crack you can fit a finger into, deserve immediate evaluation.

7. Construction damage to roots. Trenching, paving, or grading within the drip line can kill a tree slowly over 2–5 years. By the time the canopy thins, it's usually too late.

If you're seeing any of these signs on a tree near your home or driveway, give us a call. We'll come look, give you an honest opinion, and only recommend removal when it's truly the right call.