Have you ever noticed a tree seems just a little off on your morning walk and wondered how to spot a dying tree? Maybe the leaves don’t grow the way they used to, or it is leaning just a little too much. It’s easy to overlook, but catching those signs early might save you a whole lot of trouble. A tree might be dying due to storm damage or gradual decline. A dying tree is much more than a cosmetic problem; it’s a danger. This guide to how to spot a dying tree will help you discover many of the effects it can cause on your property. Although the word ‘DIY’ might sound cost-effective, the services of professional tree removal are always safer and more effective. Let’s discover why an expert tree removal could help you more than you think!
Why It’s Important to Act Fast with Dying Trees
If a tree starts developing either a disease or decay, then that tree becomes a liability. Dead branches can fall at any time while decaying roots can make the whole tree lean or fall over. This is especially true in your neighborhood, such as Brooklyn, New York, or Bronx, where buildings are packed close together. A falling tree could easily cause major damage to either homes, power lines, or even sidewalks.
Tips on how to spot a dying tree
By finding a dying tree early, you can avoid costly repairs and even danger in the future. Some of the common warning signs that may determine whether the time to remove your tree has arrived include:
1. No Leaves or Slow Growth
Healthy trees thrive in spring and summer. If your tree isn’t pushing new leaves or seems to be shedding leaves out of season, something serious could be underway. While this can just sound like a simple case of stress or change in season, it will be worth getting an expert from our team of pros to check the root cause.
2. Fungal Growth in the Base of the Tree
A little growth may not be lethal, but huge fungal growth at the base of your tree often means wood is dead. It is a sign that the roots are rotten and can fall anytime, without warning.
Tip: You must consider removing your tree, particularly by professionals, when you see the growths of fungi around your tree, especially in heavy rainfall.
3. Cracked or Damaged Trunk
Cracks or vertical splits in a tree trunk often indicate internal decay. Trees with damaged trunks are structurally unstable and more prone to falling during storms or high winds—a common concern for properties near the coast, like those in Brooklyn and Queens.
DIY isn’t the way to go: Handling a cracked tree on your own is dangerous, especially without the right equipment. Trust our experts who have years of experience managing delicate tree removals.
4. Peeling Bark and Dead Wood
A healthy tree has robust, sturdy bark. If you notice large pieces of the bark peeling away from the tree or sections of your tree sounding hollow when knocking on them, this may be a sign that your tree is dying from the inside out.
While this may be a minor issue, it does weaken a tree’s ability to recover from environmental stresses. That said, fast action needs to be taken along with help from a certified arborist or tree removal service.
5. Sudden Leaning or Root Problems
This would involve a tree that begins to lean or indicates that it is suffering from root failure, due perhaps to the visibility of broken or rotten roots. Such trees are particularly dangerous in areas such as Staten Island during hurricane season, as strong winds will begin to increase the lean.
Pro Tip: Do not take any chances with it! Our Emergency Tree Removal Services can quickly assess the danger and handle a safe tree removal to protect your property.
Why Hiring a Professional Tree Removal Service is Important
While there are a great number of YouTube tutorials and ‘how-to’ DIY guides, the removal of trees is just but far from being a do-it-yourself job. Why you should leave the job to the professionals always is for the following reasons;
1. Safety First
Removing trees, especially within a highly populated area like Brooklyn, requires specialized equipment and safety gear. Without proper training, one risks injury or property damage. Our team is fitted with the right equipment to deal with even the most precarious removal of trees in a safe manner.
2. Proper Equipment and Expertise
Our professional arborists use the best equipment available to them, such as bucket trucks, safety ropes, and industrial saws, to make sure each removal is efficient and safe. Removing a tree without proper machinery can be hazardous if it is near power lines or over another structure.
3. Legal and Environmental Risks to Avoid
Removing trees, particularly in urban areas, can involve permits. By hiring a professional, you get all the legalities followed, and in some instances, we can even help you save certain parts of the tree. Improper removal could otherwise damage your landscape; it is always better to trust the expert.
This can lead to accidental damage to the ecosystem, according to the International Society of Arboriculture. That is why hiring a professional tree removal team is important for spotting a dying tree.
4. Stump Removal and Cleanup
It is not considered finished once the tree has been cut down. Stumps can become a harbor for pests or even a tripping hazard for kids. Our team will leave your yard clean and safe after the tree has been taken down.
Final Thoughts: Let Greenleaf Tree Care Help Protect Your Property
We at Green Leaf Tree Care understand the stress that comes with having to deal with a dying or damaged tree. Curious how to spot a dying tree? Whether the tree has succumbed to storm damage or is slowly rotting, taking thoughtful action is paramount in safeguarding your property. While DIY tree removal may sound appealing, the associated risks far outweigh the rewards. With over 40 years of experience, our certified professionals can perform tree removal safely and efficiently.
For a remarkable service, don’t wait to call our professional tree removal team today! For people in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the surrounding areas, we offer free consultations along with 24/7 Emergency Care.