10 Warning Signs a Tree Needs to Be Removed Before It Causes Property Damage

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:08:42 GMT

Trees enhance your property's beauty, provide shade, and increase curb appeal, but they can also become dangerous when they are unhealthy or structurally unstable. Knowing the early warning signs of a hazardous tree can help you avoid expensive property damage, unexpected emergencies, and potential injuries.

In Western Washington, heavy rain, saturated soil, and seasonal windstorms put additional stress on trees, making regular inspections especially important. If you've noticed your tree leaning, dropping large branches, or showing signs of decay, it may be time to call a professional.

At J&T Tree Service, we help homeowners and businesses throughout Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Spanaway, Covington, University Place, Steilacoom, and Olympia identify dangerous trees and provide safe, professional removal when necessary.

Why Early Tree Removal Matters

Waiting until a tree falls can lead to costly repairs and emergency situations. Trees weakened by disease, age, or storm damage often fail without much warning, especially during severe weather.

Removing a hazardous tree before it causes problems can help:

Protect your home and vehicles
Prevent injuries to family members and neighbors
Reduce the risk of storm damage
Preserve nearby healthy trees
Improve your property's appearance and safety

According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) , regular tree inspections are one of the best ways to identify hazards before they become dangerous.

1. Your Tree Is Leaning More Than Before

A slight lean isn't always a problem, but if your tree has recently shifted or the lean has become more noticeable, it could indicate root failure.

Warning signs include:

Exposed roots
Soil lifting around the base
Cracks in the ground
Lean increasing after heavy rain

A leaning tree can become unstable quickly, especially during Tacoma's windy seasons.

If you notice these symptoms, consider scheduling a professional inspection before the tree falls unexpectedly. Learn more about our Tree Removal Services .

2. Large Dead Branches Keep Falling

Dead branches are often the first visible sign that a tree is struggling.

These brittle limbs can fall without warning, damaging:

Roofs
Vehicles
Fences
Decks
Walkways

Routine trimming can remove hazardous limbs, but if much of the tree is dead, complete removal may be the safest solution.

You can also explore our Tree Trimming & Pruning Services to help keep healthy trees properly maintained.

3. The Trunk Has Deep Cracks or Large Cavities

The trunk supports the entire tree. Deep cracks, hollow sections, or missing bark often indicate structural weakness that cannot be seen from the outside.

Signs to watch for include:

Long vertical cracks
Hollow areas
Mushrooms growing on the trunk
Peeling bark
Soft or decaying wood

The USDA Forest Service notes that internal decay can significantly reduce a tree's strength, making it more likely to fail during severe weather.

4. The Tree Shows Signs of Disease

Diseased trees can quickly become unstable and may spread problems to nearby healthy trees.

Common symptoms include:

Yellow or spotted leaves
Early leaf drop
Fungal growth
Dead limbs
Insect infestations
Rotting bark

Early diagnosis may save some trees, but advanced disease often requires removal to protect your property.

5. The Roots Have Been Damaged

Healthy roots keep a tree stable. Construction work, flooding, soil erosion, or excavation can damage roots without obvious signs above ground.

Look for:

Leaning
Sparse foliage
Dead branches
Mushrooms near the base
Raised soil around the trunk

Root damage is one of the leading causes of unexpected tree failure after storms.

6. More Than Half of the Tree Is Dead

If over half of a tree has died, recovery is unlikely. Large sections of dead wood become brittle and may fall during strong winds.

Common indicators include:

Bare branches
No new growth
Extensive bark loss
Dead canopy
Heavy insect activity

Removing a severely declining tree before it collapses is often the safest option.

7. Storm Damage Has Weakened the Tree

Heavy rain and windstorms are common throughout Tacoma and the surrounding areas. Even if a tree remains standing after a storm, it may have hidden structural damage.

Inspect for:

Split trunks
Hanging limbs
Fresh cracks
Exposed roots
Trees leaning more than before

The National Weather Service recommends avoiding damaged trees after severe weather because weakened branches may fall unexpectedly.

If your property has been affected by a storm, our Emergency Tree Service team can respond quickly to restore safety.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Tree removal is dangerous work that requires specialized equipment and training. Attempting to remove a hazardous tree yourself can result in serious injuries or costly property damage.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's best to have your tree evaluated by an experienced professional.

At J&T Tree Service, we provide honest recommendations and only suggest removal when it's the safest and most practical solution.

Why Choose J&T Tree Service?

Since 2017, J&T Tree Service has proudly provided dependable tree care throughout Tacoma and the surrounding communities.

Our services include:

Hazardous Tree Removal
Tree Trimming & Pruning
Stump Grinding & Removal
Emergency Tree Service
Storm Damage Cleanup
Residential Tree Services
Commercial Tree Services

As a family-owned and operated company, we're committed to quality workmanship, affordable pricing, and exceptional customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tree needs to be removed?

Signs such as leaning, trunk cracks, dead branches, disease, and root damage often indicate that a tree should be professionally evaluated.

Can a diseased tree be saved?

Some diseases can be treated if caught early. However, trees with severe decay or structural damage often need to be removed.

Should I remove a tree before storm season?

Yes. Removing hazardous trees before severe weather can reduce the risk of property damage and emergency situations.

Do you provide free estimates?

Absolutely. J&T Tree Service offers free estimates for tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, storm damage cleanup, and emergency tree services.

Schedule Your Free Tree Inspection Today

A hazardous tree rarely gets better on its own. Acting early can help you avoid expensive repairs and protect your family, home, and landscape.

If you've noticed leaning trees, dead branches, storm damage, or signs of decay, contact J&T Tree Service today. Our experienced team proudly serves Tacoma, Olympia, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Spanaway, Covington, Steilacoom, and University Place with safe, reliable, and affordable tree care.

Call (253) 209-4949 today or request your free estimate through our online contact form.

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