Trees are shields of protection along the edges of your property. They’re Mother Nature’s masterpieces in your own backyard. They’re beautiful, comforting, and sometimes they’re our family.
So, removing a tree from your landscape can be a difficult experience. But when a tree poses risks to the people and objects in its shade below, the safest thing to do is to leave its dangerous outcomes in the hands of a professionally trained arborist.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the major signs your tree needs professional removal in Rochester, NY. We’ll also touch on how to assess tree health, identify diseased trees, and understand when you’re dealing with hazardous trees that could pose a threat to your home or yard.
Understanding Tree Health
A healthy tree typically has strong, green leaves, solid branches, and a firm trunk. It stands tall and shows no signs of damage, rot, or disease. However, changes in a tree’s appearance or behavior can indicate that something is wrong. In many cases, tree health issues can be managed with care, pruning, or treatment. But in some instances, the only option left is tree removal.
For more detailed guidance on caring for your trees, visit the International Society of Arboriculture’s tree care tips.
Trees Showing Signs of Disease
One of the most common reasons for tree removal is disease. Diseased trees often display clear warning signs that something is wrong. You might notice leaves turning brown or falling off in the wrong season. Fungus growing on the bark or at the base of the tree can be another sign. Trees that are sick may stop growing leaves altogether, or they might have discolored, misshapen, or spotted leaves.
In Rochester, NY, where the weather changes with the seasons, trees are exposed to a wide variety of stressors, including snow, ice, and storms. These conditions can weaken a tree’s natural defenses, making it more likely to develop disease. If you suspect your tree is diseased, it’s essential to act quickly. Waiting too long can allow the disease to spread to other nearby trees.
Some diseases are treatable if caught early. But if the damage is extensive or if the tree poses a risk of falling, professional tree removal may be necessary.
Cracks in the Trunk or Large Branches
Another warning sign to look for is cracks in the trunk or large branches. These are often indicators of internal damage or structural weakness. When a tree’s trunk begins to split or crack, it means that the tree may not be able to support its own weight for much longer. This can be especially dangerous during heavy winds or storms, which are common in Rochester, NY.
In some cases, a tree can be saved by trimming off the damaged branches. But if the crack runs deep into the trunk, it is usually a sign that the tree is unstable and may fall. This is a classic case of a hazardous tree, and it calls for immediate attention from a tree removal expert.
Dead or Falling Branches
Every tree sheds a few branches from time to time. However, if you notice that your tree is regularly dropping large or dead branches, this could be a serious issue. Dead branches not only look unsightly, but they also pose a safety risk. A falling branch can damage property, hit power lines, or hurt someone walking nearby.
Frequent branch loss is a key symptom of poor tree health, especially if the dead branches are found in the upper canopy. This could be due to disease, pests, or simply old age. When a tree loses the ability to nourish all of its branches, it begins to shut down the less essential parts, like the ones farthest from the roots. If this is happening to your tree, it’s time to consult with a tree removal specialist in Rochester, NY.
Hollow Trunks and Root Problems
Another clear sign that you may need tree removal is a hollow trunk. Trees can survive with hollow areas in the trunk for a while, but it weakens the overall structure. If more than one-third of the trunk is hollow or rotted, the tree becomes a hazardous tree and could fall at any time.
Root issues are also serious.
Since roots are mostly underground, they can be difficult to inspect. But there are signs you can look for. If you notice the tree leaning to one side, or if the ground around the base appears raised or cracked, the roots may be failing. Roots can also become diseased or infested with insects, which may cause the tree to die slowly. In Rochester, NY, freezing and thawing cycles can further weaken root systems, especially for older or stressed trees.
Trees Leaning or Unstable
While it’s normal for trees to grow slightly off-center, a tree that is leaning significantly is often unsafe. A leaning tree may indicate root damage, trunk weakness, or ground instability. In urban areas like Rochester, NY, a leaning tree near a home, sidewalk, or power line is particularly dangerous. These are considered hazardous trees, and they should be assessed by a professional immediately.
Sometimes, leaning trees can be supported with cabling or bracing. However, if the lean is severe or sudden, tree removal is often the safest option.
Tree Close to Power Lines or Buildings
Trees that grow too close to power lines or buildings are another safety concern. In storms or high winds, these trees can lose branches or fall completely, causing damage to property and potentially leading to fires or power outages.
In Rochester, NY, heavy snow and ice can weigh down branches and make them more likely to break. If a tree is growing dangerously close to your house or power lines, it’s important to have it checked by a tree removal expert who understands local conditions and regulations. Sometimes, pruning is enough, but in many cases, full tree removal is the safest course of action.
Signs of Pest Infestation
Pests like beetles, borers, and ants can destroy trees from the inside out. Infested trees may show holes in the bark, sawdust at the base, or trails of insects moving up and down the trunk. Birds like woodpeckers pecking at the bark repeatedly can also be a clue that insects are present under the surface.
Pest problems are a serious tree health issue, and once the pests take over, it becomes difficult to save the tree. In these cases, tree removal helps prevent the pests from spreading to other trees in your yard or neighborhood. This is especially important in cities like Rochester, NY, where trees are often planted closely together and an infestation can spread quickly.
Poor Tree Structure or Storm Damage
Some trees grow in a way that makes them unstable from the start. Multiple trunks, odd branching patterns, or narrow angles between branches can make a tree more likely to break under pressure. These trees may be okay when young, but can become hazardous trees as they grow larger and heavier.
Storms can also severely damage trees. After a storm in Rochester, NY, it’s common to see trees that have lost branches or even been partially uprooted. If a tree suffers major damage during a storm, it’s often more cost-effective and safe to remove it rather than try to repair it.
When you work with a professional arborist, they will inspect your tree, assess the need for removal, and provide you with an estimate.
Removing a tree on your own can be very dangerous, especially if you have to climb a ladder with tools to remove bulky branches. It is all too easy to fall from the ladder, be cut by a tool, or be struck by parts of the tree as you cut them off. Many people are badly hurt or even killed every year trying to work on their own trees. These are just some of the risks that come along with DIY tree removal.
A certified arborist who is licensed, insured, and educated on how to safely remove trees is by far the best person for the job.
Is it dangerous to leave a hazardous tree standing?
Yes, it can be. Hazardous trees may fall without warning, which could seriously damage property or even harm someone. That’s why it’s smart to have them checked out by a professional.
Do I need a permit for tree removal in Rochester, NY?
In some cases, you do. The City of Rochester, NY, might require a permit, depending on how big the tree is or where it’s located. A local tree removal company can guide you through the process.
Can a sick tree be saved instead of removed?
Sometimes, yes. If the tree health problem is caught early, things like pruning, feeding, or pest control might help. But if the tree’s too damaged, removal is often the safest bet.
Who should I call for tree removal in Rochester, NY?
You’ll have to call a licensed and insured tree removal pro in Rochester, NY. They’ll know how to safely take down the tree and spot any risks you might not see.
As soon as you spot anything that makes you wonder about a tree’s safety or wellness, don’t let it linger. Reach out to KD Tree Services for immediate expert evaluation and dependable tree removal in Rochester, NY (518) 625-TREE. Their seasoned crew manages everything, from emergency hazard removals to ongoing care that protects both the safety of your property and the vitality of your landscape.
