How to Know When It’s Time to Remove a Tree: 7 Warning Signs Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Trees are one of the most valuable features of your property—until they become a hazard. As ISA Certified Arborists, Shults Tree Service has seen firsthand how dangerous a compromised tree can become, especially during Kentucky’s storm season.

If you’re asking, “Do I need to remove this tree?” — this guide will help you recognize the warning signs before it's too late.

1. The Tree Is Leaning or Shifting Position

A tree that suddenly leans or shifts—especially after high winds or heavy rain—may be showing signs of root failure or structural weakness.

✅ Danger Level: High

✅ Common in: Large hardwoods and trees growing in shallow or soggy soil

✅ What to Do: Call Shults Tree Service in Louisville, KY for a professional inspection.

2. Large Dead Branches Are Falling

Also called widowmakers, large dead limbs falling from the canopy are not just a sign of decline—they’re deadly.

✅ Red Flag: Sudden limb drops during calm weather

✅ Hazard: These limbs can fall without warning, especially over driveways, homes, or power lines

✅ Solution: Safe and strategic removal by trained ISA-certified climbers

3. Mushrooms or Fungi Around the Base

Fungus growth—especially mushrooms or shelf fungi—around the trunk or root flare often signals internal decay or rot. The tree may look healthy on the outside, but it's dying from the inside out.

⚠️ Look for:

• Soft or spongy bark

• Cracked or heaving soil around the base

• Hollow sounds when tapping the trunk

4. Cracks, Splits, or Bark Falling Off

Deep vertical cracks, open seams, or peeling bark are clear signs of structural stress or disease. Once a tree’s outer layer is compromised, it can no longer protect itself from pests, water infiltration, or decay.

🌳 Tip from Shults Tree Service:Cracks can worsen quickly, especially during wind events. Don’t ignore them.

5. Bare Limbs or No Leaves in Growing Season

If major limbs stay bare while the rest of the tree is leafed out, you're likely dealing with dieback. This is usually caused by disease, drought, pests, or internal decay.

🔎 A tree missing foliage on one-third or more of its canopy may be beyond saving.

6. Insect Infestation or Woodpecker Damage

Wood-boring insects like emerald ash borers, carpenter ants, or termites often invade already weakened trees. If you notice woodpecker holes, they’re likely feeding on the insects inside—another serious indicator of decay.

📢 Hollow-sounding trunks and sawdust-like material (frass) at the base are telltale signs of infestation.

7. Previous Storm Damage

Trees that lost limbs or cracked during storms may appear stable, but damage below the surface often worsens with time. These weak spots can fail unexpectedly, especially in future wind events.

🌬️ Kentucky storms are no joke—don’t take the chance.

Why Choose Shults Tree Service?

At Shults Tree Service, we’re more than just tree cutters—we’re ISA Certified Arborists with years of experience in advanced climbing, rigging, and tree health diagnostics. We serve Louisville, KY, and the surrounding areas with integrity, skill, and safety-first operations.

✅ ISA Certified

✅ Fully Licensed & Insured

✅ Locally Owned and Operated

✅ Trusted Tree Removal Experts in Louisville

Schedule a Free Tree Inspection Today

If you’ve noticed any of these 7 warning signs, don’t wait until a dangerous situation turns into an emergency.

📞 Call Shults Tree Service at 502-552-2350🌐 Visit: www.shultstreeservice.com📍 Serving Louisville, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews, Shepherdsville, and surrounding Kentuckiana areas

💡 Bonus Tip:

Not every tree needs to be removed—but every risky tree should be inspected. Call us for an honest, expert opinion. At Shults Tree Service, we won’t upsell you—we’ll just tell you the truth.